“Rise From The Ashes”: Addressing Simone Biles & Team USA’s Pain, Veteran Kathy Johnson Clarke Gives Them The Perfect Name

Did you know Albus Dumbledore’s pet ‘Phoenix’ from the enchanting movie series Harry Potter? That has crossed over into gymnastics too, it seems, at least as an allusion. Former artistic gymnast Kathy Johnson Clarke has pointed out something fascinating about this ahead of the Paris Olympics in 2024. The journeys of Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera are summed up by Kathy Johnson Clarke’s idea of “The Phoenix Five.” And it’s got to do with their….drum roll…team name.

For the USA’s women’s gymnastics squad, the route to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris has not been easy. These athletes’ commitment to conquering personal and physical obstacles is truly remarkable. There has been discussion over a suitable name that best symbolizes the team’s unshakable mindset as they prepare to compete globally. The name? It truly takes the cake.

On the “Flipping Out with Bridget Sloan” podcast, Kathy Johnson Clarke reportedly called the group “The Phoenix Five.” Like the fabled phoenix that rises from its ashes, this name represents its extraordinary capacity. Restored and stronger, the phoenix is a powerful figure in mythology, noted for rising from its ashes. Given the gymnasts’ route to the Olympics, Clarke’s choice of moniker makes sense. “Every single one of these athletes have felt probably as if they themselves, or their dream of competing in these Olympic Games, burned to the ground into ashes,” she explained. She also stated that – “the phoenix rises from the ashes.” And the team USA girls are malleable, resilient and so much more. She even gave respective allusions as to why the team has to be named The Phoenix Five.

Every athlete has overcome great challenges to become more powerful and earn a spot on Team USA for the Olympics in Paris. When Clarke talked about the events on the podcast, it was clear that she was impressed by their drive to succeed. “And yet these beautiful, gorgeous phoenixes (gymnasts) just rose in this moment and emerged as like goddesses,” she concluded in the video.

However, the most decorated gymnast in history, Simone Biles, has faced difficulties throughout her career. Biles has triumphantly returned to the Olympics after taking a hiatus to focus on her mental health during the Tokyo Games. “I knew I wasn’t done after the performances in Tokyo,” Biles added. Interestingly, the performances from “The Phoenix Five” were off the charts and it’s pretty self explanatory.

“The Phoenix Five” and their efforts at the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials

Leading the way is Simone Biles, a name that embodies brilliance. She says, “Getting back in the gym and trusting the process with coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi, I knew I’d be back,” when she thinks back on her choice to pick up where she left off after the Tokyo mishap. With an incredible all-around score of 117.225 at the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials, the 27-year-old is not only coming back, but she is creating history once more. She is the oldest female gymnast from the United States to qualify for the Olympics since the 1950s.

Another important player, Suni Lee, has several goals in mind for Paris. Lee claims, “We really want team gold,” with a lot of emotion. Her efforts in Minneapolis, where she received an all-around score of 111.675, showed her continuous drive and set a positive precedent for her future goals.

Additionally, Jordan Chiles, who is renowned for her vivacious spirit, values who she is. “Ever since I was little, I was always told to be the best version of yourself. So I just put myself out there and am just authentic to who I am,” Chiles continues. “I’m not going to shy away or dim my light for something that isn’t me.” Her steadfast spirit is seen in her impressive showing at the trials, where she received an all-around score of 111.425.

The trip to Paris is exciting and difficult for Jade Carey. She said on Sunday’s NBC show, “Those past experiences really helped me; they reminded me why I’m doing this sport and where I wanna go, and I couldn’t do it without my family, my coaches, my friends, even these ladies right here, so I’m ready to rock it in Paris with them.” Carey’s persistence paid off, as her all-around score of 111.35 guaranteed her a berth.

Moreover, Hezly Rivera, the youngest member of the team, infuses the group with added fire. Regarding her ticket to Paris, Rivera remarked, “I was surprised, but I’ve also been working so hard for this specific moment.” Rivera’s outstanding 111.15 all-around score displays her ability and preparedness to participate on the world stage. With every move they perform, these incredible gymnasts capture the essence of the phoenix. Thus, the entire world will be observing as they battle for gold.