“Redemption Tour” for U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team

Suni Lee performs at the Olympic Games in Paris, France. 

The 2024 Olympic Games are underway in Paris, France. The Summer Games began on July 26 with a dazzling Opening Ceremony in “the City of Light.” Athletes from dozens of countries, wearing the colors of their flags, waved from boats along the Seine River.

In the Summer Games, which are held every four years, athletes from across the world compete at the highest level for a chance to win a medal. This year’s competitions will conclude on August 11.

A highlight for the United States came on July 30, when Simone Biles led her team to a gold medal in the team competition. Biles, as well as teammates Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and Hezly Rivera overcame adversity to be crowned champions. In 2021, in Tokyo, the team came up short, earning a silver medal. This led them to dub the Paris Games their “redemption tour.” (The Tokyo Games had been delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.)

“This team has been through a lot,” Lee said at a press conference after the victory. “We had so many expectations this time, but I think we did exactly what we were supposed to. We went out there and had fun with it, and I think that’s the most important thing.”

Lee, who grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is the first Hmong American Olympian. In Tokyo, she became the first Asian American woman to win gold in the all-around competition. This year, she battled two rare kidney conditions before making it back to the top of her sport.

Biles won her eighth medal in the competition, surpassing the seven won previously by Shannon Miller of the U.S. Biles has now won more Olympic medals than any U.S. gymnast in history.

Members of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team are surrounded by their coaches. 

“GRATEFUL TO BE PART OF THIS TEAM”

How does the team competition work? The top 12 teams compete in four events: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. Each team is represented by five athletes. The top teams first have to qualify for the final competition.

In each event, only three athletes perform per team. All three of their scores count towards the team’s final score. The U.S. scored a total of 171.296 points, putting them at the top. Italy won the silver medal with 165.494 points, and Brazil earned bronze with 164.497 points. 

“I am extremely grateful to be part of this team,” Carey told reporters after the U.S. won gold. “It means everything and more to me.” Carey is coached by her father, Brian Carey. 

Biles was asked what she would tell girls around the world who want to follow in her footsteps. “Make sure you’re having fun,” she replied. “You can accomplish big things as long as you’re mentally and physically in tune.”

On August 1, Biles added to her medal total, winning gold in the individual all-around competition. Lee won the bronze. Biles now has nine Olympic medals, including six gold. She still has three competitions ahead of her: balance beam, floor exercise, and vault. 

The 2026 Winter Games are slated to take place in Italy in February 2026.

Simone Biles is one of the most decorated U.S. athletes in history.