Hezly Rivera won the all-around title at the national championships, but the U.S. women may not dominate like they did with Simone Biles headlining the team. Sports reporter Emily Giambalvo breaks down the next era of women’s gymnastics with Ava Wallace.
When you hear “U.S. women’s gymnastics,” one name immediately comes to mind: Simone Biles. She’s not just a gymnast—she’s a movement, a legend, the gravity-defying queen who redefined the sport. But here’s the big question: Can the U.S. still dominate without her?
This isn’t just about one athlete; it’s about an entire legacy, a system, and a generation of gymnasts who’ve trained under the long shadow of Biles’ greatness. Let’s dive in.
The Simone Biles Effect
How Simone Changed the Game
Before Biles, the U.S. women’s gymnastics team was already good—very good. But she turned “good” into untouchable.
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She brought home seven Olympic medals (four golds) and 25 World Championship medals, the most in history.
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She pushed the difficulty bar so high that even international judges struggled to score her fairly.
Biles didn’t just perform routines—she performed miracles.
The Post-Biles Era Begins
When Biles stepped back during the Tokyo 2020 Games to prioritize her mental health, the world got a glimpse of a Biles-less U.S. team. The results?
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Team silver instead of gold.
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New names like Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles stepping into the spotlight.
It proved something important: The U.S. can still fight—but the dominance isn’t automatic anymore.
The Depth of American Gymnastics
A Pipeline of Talent
The U.S. gymnastics program isn’t a one-woman show. Every year, fresh talent bursts onto the scene.
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Sunisa Lee: Olympic all-around champion, balance beam master.
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Jordan Chiles: Consistent under pressure, a true team player.
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Jade Carey: Floor and vault powerhouse with Olympic gold to prove it.
Training Systems That Work
From the Karolyi era to the new leadership, the U.S. training system has consistently produced world-class athletes. While the coaching culture has faced controversy, the talent pipeline remains strong.
International Competition Is Catching Up
Russia, China, and Brazil Rising
Without Biles, the margin for error shrinks. Russia’s artistry, China’s precision, and even Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade have made the podium race tighter than ever.
The Mental Game
Simone’s presence was more than scoring points—it was psychological. Other teams knew they were competing for second. Without her, the intimidation factor is gone.
The New Leaders of Team USA
Suni Lee
Balancing college gymnastics at Auburn and elite competition, Suni’s artistry and difficulty keep her a medal contender.
Jordan Chiles
The “big sister” energy of the team—her consistency and positivity are glue for team morale.
Shilese Jones
Explosive on uneven bars and floor, she’s proving she can carry high scores under pressure.
The Challenges Without Biles
Losing the Difficulty Edge
Biles’ routines often scored so high that the team could afford small mistakes elsewhere. Without her, perfection is no longer optional.
Media Pressure
Every slip-up gets magnified in the press. With Biles, the narrative was dominance. Without her, it’s “Can they still win?”
The Reasons for Optimism
Team Depth
The U.S. can field multiple lineups that are medal contenders—something most countries can’t do.
Adaptability
After Tokyo, the team showed they can regroup quickly and deliver strong performances.
Motivation
The idea of proving themselves post-Biles could ignite a competitive fire.
Will We Ever See Another Biles?
Honestly? Probably not. Athletes like Simone Biles happen once in a generation. But that’s okay. The goal now isn’t to replace her—it’s to build a team that wins in its own way.
The Road to Paris 2024 and Beyond
The U.S. is already deep in preparation for Paris. With a mix of veterans and newcomers, the team is aiming for:
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Consistency in execution
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Higher difficulty scores
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Team chemistry
The competition will be fierce, but the U.S. has the talent to stay on top—if they can keep their nerves steady.
The Verdict
Can U.S. women’s gymnastics dominate without Simone Biles? Yes—but it’s harder now. The dynasty isn’t dead, but the rest of the world is catching up fast. The next chapter will be written not by one GOAT, but by a flock of fierce competitors.
Conclusion
Simone Biles will forever be the gold standard of women’s gymnastics. But dominance isn’t just about one person—it’s about depth, resilience, and the hunger to win. The U.S. has the talent, the training, and the mindset to remain a powerhouse. Without Biles, the spotlight gets shared, and that might be exactly what the sport needs.
FAQs
1. Who is leading the U.S. women’s gymnastics team now?
Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Shilese Jones are among the top leaders stepping into the spotlight.
2. Can the U.S. win gold without Simone Biles?
Yes, but the competition is much tougher without her difficulty scores and psychological edge.
3. What happened when Simone Biles stepped back in Tokyo?
The U.S. still earned silver in the team event and saw new stars like Suni Lee rise.
4. Will Simone Biles return for Paris 2024?
She has hinted at training, but her final decision remains to be seen.
5. Which countries are the biggest threats to U.S. dominance?
Russia, China, and Brazil are emerging as major contenders in women’s gymnastics.Custom Message:
“Excellence isn’t about one star—it’s about the constellation. The U.S. women’s gymnastics team is ready to shine, with or without Simone Biles.”
