The upcoming Core Hydration Classic, scheduled for May 17-18 has an impressive lineup of myriad athletes who boast Olympic or world championships medals. However, only five spots are available on the Paris Olympic team, the competition is fierce, and every routine counts. Adding to the anticipation is the historic moment when three U.S. Olympic all-around gold medalists—Gabby Douglas (London 2012), Simone Biles (Rio 2016), and Suni Lee (Tokyo 2020), will compete together for the first time in gymnastics history.
Of particular note is the return of Gabby Douglas after an eight-year hiatus, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Joining her is Simone Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, who is set to make her season debut at the upcoming Core Hydration Classic. With both queens of the sport set to headline the competition, the ticket demand is soaring for the event, reflecting excitement surrounding this historic event.
Will it cost you an arm and a leg to watch your favorite gymnasts in action?
Till now we have only seen noteworthy matchups between athletes like Lee and Biles, and Lee and Douglas. But this time all are together. The last time we saw each of them competing together in one stage was in the 2016 U.S. championships, where Douglas stood as the only Olympic all-around champion among them. However, Biles secured the championship title that time, Douglas claimed fourth place, and Lee finished 10th in the junior category.
Other gymnasts such as Shilese Jones, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles will also be part of this event. The surge in ticket demand matches the palpable anticipation surrounding this event only. Single-day tickets are now available at a relatively high price of $10 for Friday, May 17th, and $50 for Saturday, May 18th. You can purchase the tickets by clicking on this link- Ticketmaster.com.
It is the final chance for the indomitable women to qualify for the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, which will be held on May 30. Notably, Simone Biles has already secured her spot in the Paris Olympics. Following this event, National Team members will vie for Olympic Team berths at the 2024 Olympic Trials in Minneapolis from June 27 to June 30, before heading to the Paris Olympics. With the seasoned experience of Olympians Gabby and Simone, where Simone claimed the first position in 2016, the question arises: What’s next? Will Douglas aim for a first place this time and seek redemption?
Simone Biles vs. Douglas – Whose legacy shines brightest?
After taking a professional break of 2 years and 2 days following the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles reaffirmed her dominance last year in 2023. She secured her 8th all-around national championship in August and clinched her sixth individual Worlds’ medal in October 2023. She even performed the Yurchenko double pike vault—a pioneering addition to women’s competition and her fifth eponymous move. With an impressive tally of 30 world medals and seven Olympic medals, Biles is now on her way to the Paris Olympics. While looking at Gabby Douglas’ achievements, her journey is also inspirational.
Gabby Douglas is the 2012 Olympic all-around champion and the 2015 World all-around silver medalist. She played a crucial role in winning gold for Team USA at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Notably, Douglas made history as the first African American to win the Olympic individual all-around title and the first U.S. gymnast to achieve gold in both individual all-around and team events at the same Olympics. Additionally, she claimed the 2016 AT&T American Cup all-around championship. She also took a break in 2016 to focus on self-improvement and mental well-being, but she is now back to the sport with a flourish. It will surely be interesting to watch both of them on stage again.
