The U.S. women’s gymnastics team put on a performance for the ages on Tuesday, cruising to a gold medal after impressive showings by Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles and Suni Lee.
The performance wasn’t faultless. In fact, it was filled with obstacles, some of which arose before the contest while others emerged as they flipped and twisted around the mat. In the end, though, Biles and her compatriots wouldn’t be denied. Now, they’re immortal, another stitch in the billowy quilt that is USA gymnastics’ history.
Biles, Carey, Chiles and Lee, alongside youngster (and alternate) Hezly Rivera, will take their place among stars of USA gymnastics past. Many of those names are instantly recognizable, not only as individuals but also as members of a larger team.
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“The Magnificent Seven” instantly conjures up images of Kerri Strug being carried to the podium, just moments after landing her gold-clinching vault despite an ankle injury. The 2012 Games were defined largely by five teenagers who left their mark across London en route to receiving glimmering medallions of their own. They subsequently received the moniker “Fierce Five” for their exploits.
2016 was much the same, with the likes of Biles and Gabby Douglas bringing the U.S. back to the winner’s circle. The team’s name was similarly daunting: the “Final Five.”
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So with the gymnastics segment of the 2024 Olympics nearing its conclusion, what term should fans remember to use when discussing the iconic squad? Biles suggests it should come with a warning.
Aly asks Simone what the team name is:
Simone: I’m not going to say it.
Jordan: Abbreviate it.
Simone starts spelling it out but stops and Jordan whispers in her ear.
Simone: F … Around. F. Out.— Nancy Armour (@nrarmour) July 30, 2024
Simone Biles said the USA Women’s Gymnastics team name is “F Around and Find Out” 😂 pic.twitter.com/ySoGMtRHqL
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 30, 2024
The origins of the U.S.’s NSFW name could have something to do with the fact that the team had to settle for silver, not gold at the Tokyo Games. That year, they were bested by Russian athletes competing as the Russian Olympic Committee. The ROC wasn’t permitted to participate in this year’s competition amid its ongoing war with Ukraine.
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There were extenuating circumstances for their struggles, obviously. Biles suffered a spell of “Twisties,” while the Russians impressed. Nevertheless, Biles and Co. had plenty of doubters heading into play this time around. Unfortunately for their detractors, they dominated, outscoring second-place Italy by nearly six points.
Another factor that played a role in the U.S.’s eye-catching ‘F— Around and Find Out’ Five is the fact that a lot of the other options were taken. Biles admitted so herself.
Simone and Suni say they’ve been trying to think of a good. Nickname but couldn’t come up with one. They thought “Redemption Team and Hezly” or something else with redemption.
“All the good ones are taken!” Simone said.— Nancy Armour (@nrarmour) July 30, 2024
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In the end, they settled for profanity. With the way people have talked about them at times over the past three years, that’s a wholly understandable — and perhaps even appreciated — choice.
Past USA gymnastics team nicknames
- “The Magnificent Seven” (1996)
- “The Fierce Five” (2012)
- “The Final Five” (2016)
