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Simone Biles' training partner Joscelyn Roberson, Jade Carey and Shilese Jones lead gymnastics lineup for inaugural Sports Illustrated Women's Games

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 16:24 GMT by sportskeeda.com
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Simone Biles and the Power Trio that Will Light Up Sports Illustrated’s First Women’s Games

When the legendary U.S. gymnast Simone Biles stepped onto the world stage in 2016, she not only rewrote the record books but also redefined what it means to be a woman in sport. A year later, she signed on as the face of Sports Illustrated’s brand‑new “Women’s Games” initiative—a multi‑sport event designed to put female athletes back in the spotlight and inspire the next generation of competitors. The inaugural Games, slated for late‑summer 2025 in Washington, D.C., will bring together some of the most electrifying talents from across the athletic spectrum. In gymnastics, Biles is leading a trio that includes training partner Joscelyn Roberson, vault‑specialist Jade Carey, and floor‑and‑beam star Shilese Jones.

The Event: A New Stage for Women

Sports Illustrated’s Women’s Games is more than a showcase; it’s a celebration. The event will feature a full slate of contests—track, swimming, tennis, basketball, soccer, and gymnastics—mirroring the breadth of the Olympics but with a laser focus on female competitors. According to the official SI Women’s Games website, the Games will run for four days, beginning Friday, July 10, and ending Monday, July 13. Over 100 athletes from 25 sports will compete, and the Games will be broadcast live on the SI Network and streaming partners worldwide.

Biles’ involvement extends beyond participation. She is the event’s ambassador and spokesperson, lending her voice to the Games’ “Beyond the Medal” campaign that emphasizes resilience, mental health, and empowerment. “We’re not just competing,” Biles told SI in an interview. “We’re telling stories about the work we do behind the scenes, the setbacks we overcome, and the joy that comes from pushing the limits of what’s possible.”

The Gymnastics Line‑up

Simone Biles: The Icon

A five‑time Olympic gold medalist, Biles is the undisputed leader in U.S. women’s gymnastics. Her return to the spotlight—after a brief hiatus during the 2020 Olympic cycle—has sparked a renewed conversation about athlete wellness. For the Women’s Games, Biles will compete in the all‑around and the floor exercise, showcasing the artistry and athleticism that earned her the nickname “The Spider.”

In the lead‑up to the Games, Biles revealed that she’s training with her close friend and fellow gymnast Joscelyn Roberson. “We’re practically twins,” Biles joked in a pre‑Game podcast. “We push each other to be better, to try new things, and to keep the fun alive.”

Joscelyn Roberson: The Consistent Partner

Roberson, who has been a mainstay on the U.S. national team since 2015, is best known for her strong vault and consistency on the uneven bars. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Roberson has a reputation for mental fortitude and a work ethic that complements Biles’ flair. In a recent interview on the SI platform, she explained how the two athletes support each other: “Simone brings the energy, and I bring the calm. We balance each other out.”

Roberson’s role in the Games will be as both teammate and cheerleader. While she will not compete in the all‑around, she will perform a showcase routine on the uneven bars—her specialty—to draw a crowd of fans and aspiring gymnasts.

Jade Carey: The Vault Powerhouse

Carey’s rise to prominence began in 2019, when she captured a silver medal on vault at the World Championships. A former track athlete, Carey’s explosive power has made her a favourite for Olympic gold. In a recent article, she noted that her partnership with Biles and Roberson has been instrumental in sharpening her focus: “We train together, but we also train for ourselves. It’s about the journey.”

Carey will compete in the vault event at the Games, where her record‑setting performance on the 7.7‑rated "Yurchenko 2½" routine is expected to wow audiences. Her participation marks a milestone, as she is among the few athletes from the U.S. to win a World Championship gold on vault.

Shilese Jones: The Floor‑and‑Beam Artist

Jones, the 2022 Olympic silver medalist on the uneven bars and a world champion on the floor exercise, brings a blend of power and grace to the lineup. A 5‑year-old veteran of the U.S. national team, Jones’ dedication has earned her the nickname “The Floor Princess.” In a video interview, she expressed enthusiasm for the Games: “I’ve never competed in a multi‑sport event before. It’s exciting to share the stage with athletes from different disciplines.”

Jones will perform a floor routine that incorporates her signature “Kokoshov” flip, a move that demands both precision and fearlessness. Additionally, she will compete on the balance beam, where her high‑level acrobatics will showcase her versatility.

The Bigger Picture

The Games are designed to provide a platform that highlights women’s athletic stories in an era where coverage of female athletes is often limited. The SI editorial team has emphasized that “the Women’s Games are about visibility, opportunity, and empowerment.” In addition to the competitive events, the Games will host panel discussions on topics ranging from mental health to financial equity in sports.

By uniting Biles, Roberson, Carey, and Jones, Sports Illustrated is putting a spotlight on gymnastics—a sport that has consistently produced female role models for millions of girls worldwide. Each athlete brings a unique narrative: Biles’ triumph over adversity, Roberson’s steadiness under pressure, Carey’s raw power, and Jones’ artistic flair. Together, they embody the diversity of skill, personality, and experience that the Games aim to celebrate.

Looking Ahead

The first edition of the Women’s Games will set a precedent for future iterations. Fans can expect an event that not only rewards athletic excellence but also encourages dialogue on issues that matter to female athletes. For Biles and her teammates, it’s a chance to perform again, to push their limits, and to inspire.

As the July 2025 date approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Whether you’re a gymnastics aficionado or a casual sports fan, the Games promise to deliver thrilling performances, inspiring stories, and a fresh celebration of women’s athleticism. The stage is set—Biles, Roberson, Carey, and Jones are ready to take center stage, and the world is watching.