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With the Olympic trials wrapped up on Sunday,
the 20-year-old is one of five Olympic newcomers set to compete
for the highly decorated U.S. gymnastics team in Tokyo this
summer, with 2016 veteran Biles, 24, one of the most decorated
competitors in the history of the sport, leading the way.
Chiles, who ranked third overall during the two-day competition
at St. Louis, Missouri, nearly quit the sport in 2018 and said
she credits Biles with helping her to this point in her career.
"I thank her 24/7 and it's something that I wish a lot of people
had that same experience," said Chiles. "She will forever be my
partner in crime."
Sunisa Lee, 18, who came in second behind Biles in the
all-around at the nationals, and finished with a higher score on
the second night, and 18-year-old Grace McCallum rounded out the
four-person team.
MyKayla Skinner, 24, who was a designated replacement athlete in
2016 but did not compete, picked up the individual quota spot
after Jade Carey, 21, previously qualified for an individual
spot through World Cup performances.
As the only returning member of the Rio Olympics' gold
medal-winning "Final Five," Biles is well aware of the outsized
responsibility she has on the team.
"I'm old, I feel like I have a lot of wisdom," said Biles, "I've
been here before, so I just want to keep everybody cool, calm
and collected."
The U.S. will begin their Olympic title defence Sunday, July 25,
in Tokyo's Ariake Gymnastics Centre.
(Reporting by Amy Tennery; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
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