Ohashi Eyes U.S. Classic Qualifying In Hartford

Hartford’s Big Stage For A Fresh Start

Katelyn Ohashi, now 29, returns to elite gymnastics after a 13‑year hiatus when she stunned fans at the June 2026 American Classic. “I have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” she said Thursday, capturing the optimism of her comeback. The arena in Hartford, Conn., will host the 2026 U.S. Classic on July 17‑18, a larger venue than her first event.

At the American Classic she placed third on the balance beam and earned a 13.150 score, giving her a “very good baseline” for future attempts. Yet her two‑event total of 24.650 fell short of the 26.800 needed to move on to August’s U.S. Championships. The upcoming competition, she admits, will be “a bit more nerve‑wracking,” but she thrives in big arenas and packed crowds.

Ohashi will bring upgraded routines, especially on floor, after a “dance‑through” performance with limited tumbling in June. She continues to train with a heavy focus on physical therapy, noting, “I don’t do too many reps, but I make sure the ones I do count.” Her goal for 2027 includes adding uneven bars to her event lineup.

Preparing For The Scoring Challenge

Qualifying for the U.S. Championships hinges on a combined 26.800 across floor and beam. At the American Classic she missed that mark by over two points, leaving room for improvement in Hartford. The environment of the U.S. Classic could work in her favor, offering bright lights and a packed audience she says she loves.

She also reflected on how much gymnastics has evolved since her last elite appearance, noting, “So much has changed in elite gymnastics in the past 13 years, and even gymnastics in general.” This change has forced her to adapt her technique while staying true to the power and charisma that made her a viral sensation in 2019.

Her comeback timeline mirrors that of close friend Jade Carey, who also returned at June’s American Classic. While Carey remained stoic, Ohashi found humor in reuniting with familiar judges, recalling, “Just being there was so funny… I was like having a blast saying hi to everybody.”

From Viral Floorman To Elite Competitor

Before retiring in 2013 because of injuries, Ohashi was hailed as a prodigy and Olympic hopeful, excelling on the balance beam. Her most memorable moment came as a UCLA senior when a perfect‑ten floor routine gathered more than 60 million views in just four days. That clip still fuels her confidence as she steps back onto the elite stage.

She plans to compete only on floor and beam this season, reserving uneven bars for 2027 and beyond. Physical therapy after every session and a focus on quality over quantity keep her injury‑free and ready for the demands of senior competition.

The senior women’s session of the 2026 U.S. Classic will be broadcast live from 7 to 9 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network and Peacock, giving fans a front‑row seat to Ohashi’s quest for a qualifying score in Hartford.