Simone Biles leads U.S. roster for world gymnastics championships

Published Sep. 17, 2014 11:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Simone Biles is ready to make a run at history.

The 17-year-old will defend her all-around title at the world gymnastics championships in China next month. Biles is attempting to become the first woman since Russia's Svetlana Khorkina in 2001 and 2003 to win consecutive world titles.

Kyla Ross, who helped Team USA win gold at the 2012 London Olympics and was runner-up to Biles at last year's worlds, is also headed to China.

Madison Desch, Madison Kocian, MyKayla Skinner, Ashton Locklear and Alyssa Baumann comprise the rest of the team. Brenna Dowell is a non-traveling alternate.

The U.S. has dominated international competition for most of the last decade and used a victory at the 2011 worlds to propel it to the top of the podium in London.