The U.S. Classic returns to Hoffman Estates, Illinois, on July 18–19, but for the first time since 2022, the winner is guaranteed to be an athlete other than Simone Biles. Biles won the title in 2024, followed by five-time World medalist Shilese Jones and eventual two-time Olympic teammate Jordan Chiles in third. Biles has won the crown seven times in her storied career. In fact, not one of 2024’s podium finishers will compete this weekend.
1. Simone Biles
Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has not yet indicated intent to return to gymnastics. Instead, the sport’s most decorated athlete just returned home from a victorious ESPY Awards, where she won the awards for Best Female Athlete and Best Championship Performance. “I’m really enjoying my time off before I decide (on competing),” Biles told Olympics.com in April.
Where Are the Gymnastics Icons?
The 2025 U.S. Classic is just around the corner—and fans are asking a burning question: Where are Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and the rest of the gymnastics superstars? Their absence has left a noticeable gap in the competition lineup and stirred up quite a bit of buzz in the gymnastics world.
Let’s dig into why some of the most iconic names in American gymnastics are sitting this one out, what this means for the sport, and who’s stepping up in their absence.
The U.S. Classic—A Crucial Stop on the Road to Olympic Trials
What Is the U.S. Classic?
The U.S. Classic is more than just another gymnastics meet. It’s the launchpad for elite gymnasts hoping to secure their spot on Team USA. It acts as a qualifier for the National Championships and ultimately for the Olympic Trials.
Why It Usually Draws the Big Names
Typically, stars like Simone Biles and Suni Lee use this event to test new routines, fine-tune skills, and show the world they’re ready for the next big challenge.
The Missing Stars—Who’s Out of the 2025 U.S. Classic?
Simone Biles—The G.O.A.T. Takes a Breather
Simone Biles isn’t on the official lineup for this year’s Classic. After her incredible return at the 2024 Paris Olympics and her continuous dominance in the sport, Biles is prioritizing rest, recovery, and targeted training.3: Is She Retiring?
Absolutely not. According to insiders close to Biles, she’s simply pacing herself. Skipping the Classic doesn’t mean she’s done—it means she’s being smart.
Suni Lee—Battling More Than Just Competitors
Olympic all-around champion Suni Lee has been open about her ongoing battle with a kidney-related health issue. She’s choosing to step back from this competition to focus on wellness and rehab.
Health Over Hype
Fans may be disappointed, but her decision signals maturity. You can’t win gold if your body isn’t in it for the long haul.
Other Absentees Making Headlines
Aside from Biles and Lee, other top gymnasts like Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles are also skipping this year’s Classic. Each has their own reasons—ranging from rest and recovery to strategic preparation for the National Championships.
Why Skipping the Classic Might Be a Strategic Move
Choosing the Bigger Picture
Athletes are now realizing that it’s not just about quantity of meets, but quality of performance. Skipping the Classic lets them focus on perfecting high-difficulty routines for events that matter most.
Avoiding Burnout
Gymnastics isn’t just physically tough—it’s emotionally taxing. Avoiding burnout is crucial, especially after the high-pressure Olympic cycle.
Rising Stars to Watch in the Classic
Meet the New Faces
With big names absent, it’s a golden opportunity for new athletes to step into the spotlight. Young gymnasts like Kaliya Lincoln and Tiana Sumanasekera are poised to make their mark.
Kaliya Lincoln—Explosive Power & Clean Execution
She’s already being compared to a young Biles thanks to her high-difficulty vaults and floor routines.
H3: Tiana Sumanasekera—Elegance Meets Consistency
Tiana brings beautiful lines, fierce focus, and consistency across all four events.
Fans React—Mixed Emotions and Big Expectations
Disappointed but Understanding
Social media lit up with disappointment, but many fans showed support, echoing the sentiment: “Health and mental well-being come first.”
Hope for the Nationals
Most are hopeful that Biles, Lee, and others will return stronger for the U.S. Championships—and possibly dominate the Olympic Trials.
What’s Next for the U.S. Gymnastics Elite?
National Championships
This is the next major hurdle. Expect the big names to return with upgraded routines and renewed energy.
Olympic Trials on the Horizon
All eyes are on the Olympic Trials. Athletes are playing a long game, building momentum for what really counts—Paris 2028.
The Psychological Side of Elite Gymnastics
Simone Biles and Mental Health Leadership
Biles made headlines in 2021 when she prioritized her mental health over competition. That move still echoes in today’s gymnastics culture.
Suni Lee and Silent Strength
Lee’s resilience through health battles speaks volumes about the pressures elite athletes face beyond the mat.
Expert Opinions on Strategic Absences
Coaches Weigh In
Top coaches support the decisions of these athletes, noting that strategic rest often leads to peak performance.
Sports Scientists Back It Up
Research confirms that proper recovery improves performance and prevents long-term injuries.
What This Means for U.S. Gymnastics Moving Forward
A New Generation Emerges
With seasoned veterans sitting out, it’s time for younger gymnasts to build experience on big stages.
More Thoughtful Competition Schedules
We may see a shift toward smarter, athlete-centered scheduling in gymnastics—less about quantity, more about quality.
The Message From the Stars
Simone Biles: “I’m Still Training—Just Being Smart”
She reassures fans that she’s not disappearing, just managing her journey in her own way.
Suni Lee: “Focusing on What Matters Most”
Lee reminds everyone that success isn’t always loud—sometimes it’s in the quiet, determined steps back to health.
Conclusion: The U.S. Classic Is Changing—but That’s Not a Bad Thing
While the absence of household names like Simone Biles and Suni Lee might feel like a letdown, it’s actually a sign of growth. These athletes are choosing longevity over short-term buzz—and that’s a move worth respecting.
Meanwhile, the spotlight shifts to the next wave of gymnastic talent. The U.S. Classic 2025 may look different, but it still promises excitement, emotion, and elite athleticism.
