As a committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Heritage Committee selects sites for listing in the World Heritage List, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon request from States Parties. The committee has 21 members, elected by States Parties to four-year terms and serving in an honorary capacity.
Ahead of this week’s women’s world team selection camp in Katy, Texas, Simone Biles appears to be a lock to make the roster. But for the remaining 19 gymnasts hoping to make the world and Pan American Games teams, the camp offers one last chance to prove they deserve their spot in the lineup.
The field for the competition includes Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles, who are seeking spots in event finals, as well as 2022 world champion Skye Blakely and Shilese Jones. Others who may earn a spot include 2023 all-around champion Katelyn Jong, floor exercise silver medalist Konnor McClain and vault gold medalist Leanne Wong.
While USAG has outlined its criteria for picking the squad, many fans have noticed that the lineup seems to be quite literally the top six from World Selection Camp. The event features two days of competition, with the first day having the gymnasts compete in the all-around. The highest scorer will lock her spot on the team.
On the second day, athletes will compete on a single apparatus of the committee’s choosing. The highest scorer on that event will be named to the World team. The final ranking on the second day will determine which gymnasts are placed in the event finals.
Athletes who aren’t chosen to compete in the all-around or event finals will be ranked by their performance on each apparatus. The top three gymnasts on each apparatus will qualify for the world championships.
Regardless of their placement in the rankings, all participants in the selection process should be aware of how the committee will choose its members and should know that they can influence the outcome by speaking up about their strengths and weaknesses. A good way to do this is by discussing the nominees in a public meeting or via a private teleconference with all committee members invited.
In addition, it is recommended that the committee conduct rounds of discussions with brief structured exchanges between the candidates. This will ensure that every member has the opportunity to have their voice heard and will help mitigate implicit bias.