Road to Paris 2024 Begins: Gymnastics Royalty Compete at Core Hydration Classic in Hartford

Gymnastics Royalty Set to Compete at Core Hydration Classic

HARTFORD, Conn. — Gymnastics fans are in for a treat this weekend as three Olympic all-around champions — Suni Lee, Simone Biles, and Gabby Douglas — gear up to compete at the Core Hydration Classic in a bid to secure a spot on the Paris 2024 Olympic team.

The stakes are high as this competition serves as the final qualification opportunity for the U.S. Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, later this month. While Biles and her fellow Olympic champions have already secured their spots in Fort Worth, Saturday’s meet is a crucial step towards earning a coveted spot on the five-member Paris Olympic team this summer.

Joining the trio of Olympic champions are eight additional Olympic and world championship medalists, including reigning Olympic floor exercise gold medalist Jade Carey, Olympic team silver medalist Jordan Chiles, and world championship medalists like Shilese Jones and Skye Blakely.

One gymnast to watch is Konnor McClain, the 2022 U.S. champion, who is making a return to elite gymnastics after overcoming personal challenges. McClain’s journey back to the elite level adds another layer of intrigue to the competition.

In a surprising comeback, Gabby Douglas returned to competition for the first time in nearly eight years at the American Classic three weeks ago, showcasing her determination to make her third Olympic team. Her performance in Hartford on Saturday will be a key indicator of her chances to achieve this feat.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Suni Lee, the reigning Olympic all-around champion, as she aims to showcase her skills and upgrades on the uneven bars and balance beam. Despite facing kidney issues last year, Lee’s potential to shine on these events could solidify her spot on the Paris Olympic team.

The gymnasts representing the U.S. in Paris will be selected at the Olympic Trials in June, following the U.S. Championships. Fans can catch the action live on CNBC and Peacock from 7-9 p.m. ET on Saturday, as these gymnastics royalty take to the floor in pursuit of Olympic glory.