{
  "id": 365077,
  "title": "How Reese Esponda's 'fairy box' and Simone Biles fuel gymnastics rising star",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/how-reese-espondas-fairy-box-and-simone-biles-fuel-gymnastics-rising",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-09T10:03:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/reese-espondas-fairy-box-simone-100334702.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Reese Esponda carries a small blue box called her \"fairy box\" during every gymnastics competition. This box, filled with glitter, charms, and trinkets gathered by her grandmother, brings her luck and a sense of magic. The box is a source of comfort for Esponda, who believes in the fairies that bring her wishes to reality.\n\nEsponda has another fairy godmother in her corner: seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles. Before the 2026 U.S. Classic, Biles sent a supportive text to Esponda, urging her to believe in herself and use her power as an advantage. This connection between the young gymnast and the Olympic icon has been a significant boost for Esponda's career.\n\nAfter moving to the World Champions Centre (WCC) in Spring, Texas, under the guidance of Biles' former coaches, Esponda has been doing exceptionally well. On Day 1 of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, she earned the highest mark of the night on floor exercise (14.45), placing her in sixth position with a score of 54.1. Blakely and Pease are tied for first place with 55.6, followed by Bullock, Rivera, and Carey.",
  "summary": "Reese Esponda put the gymnastics world on notice with her all-around win at the 2026 U.S. Classics. Simone Biles texted Esponda before the win.",
  "key_points": [
    "Reese Esponda carries her \"fairy box\" filled with charms during competitions.",
    "Simone Biles sent Esponda a supportive text before the 2026 U.S. Classic.",
    "Esponda's performance at U.S. Gymnastics Championships places her sixth with 54.1 score."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Simone Biles' mentorship and support have given Reese Esponda a confidence boost, highlighting the importance of guidance from experienced athletes in the gymnastics world.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}