The dawn of the new year has brought along excitement for the gymnastics season and the many contests it entails in the US. Winter Cup, American Classic, U.S. Classic, and numerous more provide a noticeable ground for gymnasts to make their way up. Until recently, these mats extended to foreign athletes for participation. But while contesting rules might have changed, Simone Biles‘ recent social media appearance presents no restriction to training.
The US gymnastics governing body recently presented a series of policies to the sport, including foreign athletes’ restrictions in American competitions. Now, as the case has gained an audience amongst gymnastics enthusiasts online, Simone Biles and Canadian athletes could be seen having only ‘training’ on their minds.
Simone Biles, an American, joins her neighbors for a training session
The World Champions Centre has been a home for the 7-time Olympic medalist for years together. Owned by Simone Biles’ parents, the training center has nurtured some of the recognizable names of the US gymnastics team. Jordan Chiles, Joscelyn Roberson, Zoe Miller, and many others. This time around, the mats stood to witness the presence of Canadian athletes alongside Melanie (French) and other US gymnasts. “We love when our friends visit us,” the World Champions Centre captioned.
It was also further acknowledged by coach Cecile Landi on her Instagram stories. The icon added an American flag and a Canadian flag with a handshake emoticon in the middle, showcasing their harmonious allegiance forged. With the Paris Olympics and the trials for the games nearing, the gymnasts alongside Simone Biles seemed to be training for a hopeful path. However, while the post presents gymnasts sharing the mats for training, that seems to be the extent of it in the US gymnastics scene.
US gymnastics governing body passes new regulations
On the 9th of January, US Gymnastics presented a document titled, ‘Women’s International Elite Committee Meeting’. From injury to athlete committee, the discussion touched upon five different topics. Under the third one, by Brian Carey, the motion held a discussion surrounding ‘foreign athlete participation in domestic U.S. competitions’. The criteria involved three major US competitions: Winter Cup, American Classic, and U.S. Classic. By the end of the meet, the motion was passed with foreign athletes not being eligible for participation.
However, while the reasons remain unknown for the move, enthusiasts have framed a link to the 2023 Classics. During the contest, French gymnastics fame, Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos put on a performance so excellent she landed right behind Simone Biles with the second-highest all-around score. While enthusiasts express their grief by missing a spectacle, the meeting has been met with a rather positive response. Together in the States or not, Paris 2024 awaits a marvel.
