Gymnastics Stars Gear Up for 2025 U.S. Championships in New Orleans
Nation’s Top Talent Gathers for Crucial Olympic Pathway Event
The future of American gymnastics is on full display as athletes converge on New Orleans for the 2025 U.S. Gymnastics Championships. This highly anticipated event, running from August 7 to 10, serves as a pivotal stepping stone towards the World Championships later this year, offering a glimpse into the nation’s burgeoning talent.
Introducing the “Squad Showdown”
A fresh competitive element, the “Squad Showdown,” debuts at this year’s championships. Gymnasts will be grouped into “squads,” with the top three scores from each apparatus contributing to a team total. The highest-scoring squad will be crowned the “Squad Showdown Champion,” earning a commemorative prize.
Women’s Competition: A New Era Dawns
The women’s field is largely a new generation, with 2024 Olympic team champion Hezly Rivera emerging as the most prominent name. Despite some recent inconsistencies, Rivera remains a formidable contender for both all-around and event titles. She is the sole returning medalist from the Paris Olympic squad.
Olympic alternates Leanne Wong and Joscelyn Roberson are also set to compete. Wong, a four-time World medalist, is making her sixth appearance at the U.S. Championships, aiming to reaffirm her status. Roberson, who narrowly missed international success due to injury, showed strong form at the U.S. Classic, hinting that 2025 could be her breakthrough year.
Other notable competitors include Tiana Sumanasekera, who plans a multi-event return after an ankle injury, and Skye Blakely. Blakely, a strong Olympic hopeful sidelined by an Achilles tear, is expected to contend on bars and beam, even at less than full strength.
The emergence of junior talent is also a major story, with 21 of the 24 female entrants under 19. Rookie Claire Pease, who won the all-around and vault at the U.S. Classic, is a rising star to watch. Jayla Hang, winner of the Pan American Championships, is also considered a favorite for the all-around title, despite limited major international experience.
Men’s Competition: Olympic Champions Return
The men’s competition boasts significant star power, featuring many of the athletes who secured a historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Brody Malone, the reigning U.S. National Champion, will focus on four events as he aims to add to his individual medal collection and prepare for the World Championships.
Fred Richard, the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Champion and World all-around bronze medalist, is a significant draw. Having recently led the Michigan Wolverines to an NCAA title, Richard views the championships as preparation for a strong showing at the World Championships. His teammate and Olympic standout Asher Hong, the 2023 All-Around Champion and NCAA floor and rings titleholder, is also expected to contend for multiple titles.
Stephen Nedoroscik, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, returns to elite competition to defend his pommel horse dominance. His unique flair and recent media appearances have garnered him a dedicated fanbase. Donnell Whittenburg, a two-time World medalist, also adds to the competitive depth of the men’s field.
Where to Watch the Action
Fans can catch all the podium training action live on FlipNow.tv. Broadcast and international streaming will be available on the USA Gymnastics YouTube channel and Peacock.
Thursday, August 7
- Junior Men’s Day 1: 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET (USA Gymnastics YouTube)
- Senior Men’s Day 1: 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. ET (Peacock)
Friday, August 8
- Junior Women Day 1: 2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET (USA Gymnastics YouTube)
- Senior Women Day 1: 7:45 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET (Peacock)
Saturday, August 9
- Junior Men’s Day 2: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET (USA Gymnastics YouTube)
- Senior Men’s Day 2: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET (CNBC)
Sunday, August 10
- Junior Women Day 2: 1:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET (USA Gymnastics YouTube)
- Senior Women Day 2: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET (NBC)