Three the hard way: Biles, Douglas and Lee headline historic US Classic

For the first time in history, three women's Olympic all-around champions, Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, will compete in the same even on Saturday at the US Classic

There was once a time, not long ago, when the women's Olympic all-around champion's triumphant week was also likely to be the last time they ever appeared in an international competition. If their tireless journey to the summit of their sport had not left deep physical or mental scars, then the perception of women's gymnastics as a sport for teenagers would keep them from investing their time in another run. Between 1980 and 2016, not a single Olympic women's all-around champion gymnast returned to compete at another Olympic games.

This is a time of change in women's artistic gymnastics, though, and the US Classic in Hartford, Connecticut, this weekend is testament to how many more gymnasts are enjoying longer, fuller careers. For the first time in history, three women's Olympic all-around champions, Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, will compete in the same event as they each vie to return to another Olympics.