The upcoming Core Hydration Classic competition on Saturday will feature an unprecedented face-off between the last three Olympic all-around gold medal winners in women’s gymnastics: Suni Lee, Simone Biles, and Gabby Douglas. This competition serves as a qualifying meet for the U.S. Championships, important events on the path to securing a spot on the 2024 Paris Olympics team. The three athletes have never competed against each other before, making this an exciting and historic moment for the sport.
USA Gymnastics has confirmed that this showdown between the three Olympic champions is a first in the history of gymnastics, with no previous instance of three gold medalists competing in the same event. Lee, Biles, and Douglas have all achieved the highest honor in the sport by winning the Olympic all-around gold medal in recent years, with Lee triumphing in Tokyo 2020, Biles in Rio 2016, and Douglas in London 2012. Their participation in this competition showcases the evolving landscape of women’s gymnastics, where athletes are now competing at an older age compared to previous generations.
Joining the three Olympic champions in the competition will be their former teammates and other medalists from the World Championships, adding to the excitement and competitiveness of the event. Biles and Lee previously competed together in Tokyo, while Biles and Douglas were teammates in Rio. The possibility of Biles or Douglas making it to the Olympics for the third time would make them only the fourth American woman to achieve this milestone, underscoring their remarkable careers in the sport.
As the competition approaches, speculation surrounds the potential performance of Biles, Lee, and Douglas at the upcoming Olympic Trials in Minneapolis, where they will contend for spots on the U.S. Olympic team. While Biles is coming off a dominant season in 2023, winning multiple gold medals at the World Championships, Lee and Douglas have faced challenges in their recent competitions. Douglas surprised fans with her return to gymnastics after a seven-year hiatus, aiming to make a comeback at the Paris Olympics and rediscover her love for the sport.
The enduring legacies of Douglas, Biles, and Lee in women’s gymnastics have captivated fans and inspired future generations of athletes. Douglas made history with her all-around gold in London, while Biles has become the most decorated gymnast of all time with 34 medals across the Olympics and World Championships. The rivalry and camaraderie between these three Olympic champions will be on full display at the Core Hydration Classic, offering fans a glimpse of the talent and resilience that have defined their careers. Whether they secure a spot on the 2024 Paris Olympics team or not, Lee, Biles, and Douglas have already left an indelible mark on the sport of gymnastics.
