American Olympic gold medalist Sunisa "Suni" Lee has officially declared her return to competitive gymnastics, setting her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In a video posted on Instagram with the caption "I'm back," Lee showcased recent training sessions and nostalgic clips from past competitions, accompanied by a voiceover stating, "I know what I'm capable of and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get there." This announcement comes roughly two years before the Games, igniting excitement among fans and speculating about the composition of the U.S. women's gymnastics team.
Key Facts
Lee, who earned three Olympic medals at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, is among several gymnasts making comebacks for the 2028 Olympics. Her announcement follows Jade Carey, who declared her own return three months earlier and competed at the American Classic in late June, winning two gold medals. Additionally, college gymnast Katelyn Ohashi surprised the gymnastics world by announcing her return to elite competition after more than a decade away; she won a bronze medal on the balance beam at the same classic.
The potential roster for the 2028 U.S. women's gymnastics team is already generating buzz. Alongside Lee, Carey, and Ohashi, speculation surrounds the possible return of Simone Biles, the most decorated American Olympic gymnast in history. Biles has previously indicated a 50% chance she will compete in 2028, and Jordan Chiles, who competed with Biles in 2020 and 2024, has also left the door open for a comeback. Other contenders include 2024 alternate Hezly Rivera, Skye Blakely, and others.
Background: Suni Lee's Journey
Suni Lee, now 24, burst onto the international scene at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she won gold in the all-around, silver with the team, and bronze on the uneven bars. She followed that with another three medals in Paris 2024: gold in the team event, bronze in the all-around, and bronze on the uneven bars. Lee's journey has been marked by resilience, including overcoming health issues like kidney-related problems that affected her training. Her return for the 2028 Games signals a continued dedication to the sport and a desire to compete on home soil.
Jade Carey's Return
Jade Carey, 26, also competed in Tokyo and Paris, earning a gold medal in the floor exercise in 2020 after Biles withdrew due to the twisties. In Paris, she contributed to the team gold and won individual silver on vault. Carey's return to competition at the American Classic showcased her strong form, and she is expected to be a key contender for the 2028 team.
Katelyn Ohashi's Surprising Comeback
Katelyn Ohashi, now 29, is one of the most intriguing returnees. She gained fame as a college gymnast at UCLA, where her viral floor routines earned millions of views. Ohashi's elite career began early, and she famously defeated Simone Biles in the all-around at the 2013 American Cup. However, a series of back and shoulder injuries forced her to step away from elite competition. Her return to the American Classic—her first elite meet in over a decade—earned her a bronze on beam. Ohashi's quote, "I'm pretty much a senior citizen," captures the unusual nature of her comeback. Her experience and artistry could add depth to the U.S. team.
What We Don't Know: Simone Biles and Others
The biggest unknown remains Simone Biles, who, at 31 for the 2028 Games, would be the oldest American female gymnast to compete at an Olympics in decades. Biles has stated there's a 50% chance she'll compete in Los Angeles, but she has not made a formal announcement. Her decision will heavily influence the team's makeup. Jordan Chiles, a key member of the 2024 gold-winning team, has also suggested she might return, though no official confirmation exists. Other potential candidates include Skye Blakely, a seasoned elite gymnast who is targeting LA 2028, and Hezly Rivera, the 2024 alternate.
Historical Context: U.S. Women's Gymnastics Dominance
The U.S. women's gymnastics team has been a powerhouse for over a decade. The 2016 Rio Olympics 'Final Five'—Biles, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, and Madison Kocian—won team gold and catapulted Biles to stardom. In Tokyo 2020, the team of Biles, Lee, Chiles, and Grace McCallum earned silver after Biles withdrew from several events due to the twisties; Carey won gold on floor as an individual. In Paris 2024, the team of Biles, Lee, Carey, and Chiles reclaimed gold. The 2028 team could feature a mix of veterans and newcomers, potentially rewriting the history books again.
The official roster for the 2028 U.S. women's gymnastics team will be determined at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, scheduled for June 19, 2028, after two days of competition. Fans will eagerly watch the lead-up to the trials, as several gymnasts—including Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Katelyn Ohashi—have already declared their intentions. The prospect of Simone Biles returning for a fourth Olympics adds an extra layer of anticipation. The 2028 Los Angeles Games promise to be a showcase of both resilience and excellence in American gymnastics.
Source: Yahoo Sports News