Top 10 Gymnasts to Watch at the 2026 U.S. Classic

Why the 2026 U.S. Classic Sets the Stage for Futures

The 2026 U.S. Classic, slated for July 17‑18 in Hartford, Connecticut, serves as the final tune‑up before August’s national championships and is a crucial qualifying event for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. With two years to go until the Olympics, this year’s field is deeper than ever, highlighted by a wave of comeback announcements that promise heightened competition. The meet not only offers athletes valuable elite experience but also determines who will earn berths to the U.S. Championships in Phoenix. As gymnasts chase elusive Olympic spots, every score and placement at the Classic could shape the next cycle of American gymnastics.

Katelyn Ohashi: The UCLA Legend Returns to Elite Competition

Two‑time NCAA champion Katelyn Ohashi is re‑entering the elite arena after a 13‑year hiatus, having announced her comeback in June and debuted at the American Classic. She needs a combined total of 26.800 to secure a spot at the U.S. Championships, but her opening score of 24.650 left her over two points shy. This weekend marks Ohashi’s senior elite debut at the U.S. Classic, where the 29‑year‑old hopes to tighten her routines and bridge the gap to the national meet. Her performance in Hartford could signal whether she will add a final flourish to a career that already boasts two NCAA titles.

Jade Carey: The Only Olympian Competing This Weekend

Three‑time Olympic medalist Jade Carey is the sole Olympian in the field, returning after nearly two years away to chase a third straight Olympic berth. She impressed at the American Classic, finishing second in the all‑around while claiming victories on vault and floor exercise, then secured her qualification for the national championships in Phoenix. Carey will again compete in the all‑around at the U.S. Classic, marking her seventh appearance at the meet. Her presence guarantees a high‑stakes showdown as younger rivals look to dethrone the veteran powerhouse.

Leanne Wong: Veteran All‑Around Specialist Aims for Fifth World Team Spot

Five‑time World medalist Leanne Wong heads into her ninth U.S. Classic with a record of winning the all‑around in 2022 and a silver from the 2025 World Championships. The 2025 World all‑around silver medalist will again contest the all‑around, setting up a duel with former University of Florida teammate Skye Blakely. Wong’s consistent, clean routines and impressive floor artistry make her a top contender for a fifth consecutive World Championship team selection. A strong showing this weekend could cement her status as a cornerstone of Team USA’s future.

Skye Blakely: Post‑Injury Comeback Brings Four‑Event Power

Two‑time World team champion Skye Blakely returns after an Achilles tear ended her 2024 Olympic campaign, yet she already tied for uneven‑bars gold at the 2025 U.S. Championships. The 21‑year‑old added vault and floor to her repertoire during the 2025 season and propelled Florida to the SEC title. This weekend she could appear on all four events, offering a rare full‑field display of her restored versatility. Her comeback story adds excitement as she vies for a spot on the upcoming World team.

Simone Rose: Young Talent Making Waves on the International Stage

Eighteen‑year‑old Simone Rose burst onto the scene by leading Team USA to gold at the May Pan American Championships, where she also captured a silver on balance beam. The University of Florida commit’s upgrades in 2026 have positioned her as a dark‑horse contender at the Classic and beyond. With the elite field intensifying, Rose’s ability to adapt quickly could see her earning medals on multiple apparatuses. Her rise signals a new generation of American gymnasts ready to challenge the established stars.

Dulcy Caylor: World Championship Experience Fuels 2026 Ambitions

After winning the World Team Selection Event and edging out Leanne Wong, Dulcy Caylor qualified for three event finals at the 2025 World Championships, the most of any American. Though she left Jakarta without a medal, the experience gives her veteran poise heading into the 2026 circuit. Caylor’s strong start to the season suggests she could challenge for podium spots as the elite calendar unfolds. Her trajectory will be worth watching as she seeks to transform that World Championship exposure into tangible results.

Tatum Drusch: Recovery Complete and Ready for Podium Contention

Eighteen‑year‑old Tatum Drusch entered the 2026 season on a high note, toppling Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey to win the all‑around at the American Classic. Drusch also captured the balance beam title there, replicating her 2025 Winter Cup triumph, and she returned to competition after a meniscus tear. Her beam expertise paired with a solid all‑around performance makes her a top contender at the Classic. If she can maintain this momentum, Drusch could secure a spot on the national team and begin making her mark on the world stage.

Reese Esponda: Floor Powerhouse from World Champions Centre

Reese Esponda, a product of the club that produced Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, brings explosive power to the floor exercise and has recently upgraded her routine. At the City of Jesolo Trophy she earned gold on floor, signaling a breakthrough season for the athlete. After years on the periphery, 2026 appears to be her opportunity to claim a medal at a major event. Her ability to combine difficulty with clean execution could make her a surprise contender for the all‑around title. Esponda’s rise reflects the depth of talent emerging from World Champions Centre.

Caroline Moreau: First‑Year Senior Defends Her Junior Crown

Caroline Moreau enters her senior debut after winning the junior U.S. Championship, placing fifth in the all‑around at the 2026 Winter Cup as a first‑year senior. She followed that with a bronze on uneven bars and helped Team USA capture gold at the City of Jesolo Trophy. Moreau’s early‑season success demonstrates her readiness to compete at the highest level and compete for a spot on the World team. Her versatility across events gives her multiple pathways to a medal at the Classic. Observers will watch whether she can translate her junior dominance into senior accolades.

Ally Damelio: Underdog with a Rare Release Move

Ally Damelio, an Auburn commit, has drawn attention for her execution of the elusive “Seitz” release move on uneven bars, a skill rarely attempted by top international gymnasts. The sophomore’s technical precision has earned her recognition beyond the college circuit, positioning her as a potential dark‑horse at the Classic. While she may not be a medal favorite, her unique device could captivate audiences and earn high scores from judges who value innovation. Damelio’s presence adds a strategic layer to a field packed with established stars.

The 2026 U.S. Classic promises high‑stakes gymnastics as veterans recharge, comebacks unfold, and emerging talents stake their claims for Olympic dreams. From Katelyn Ohashi’s long‑awaited return to Skye Blakely’s four‑event resurgence, every athlete brings a distinct story and a clear goal heading into the final stretch of the season. Hartford’s arena will be the stage where scores, injuries, and aspirations intersect, and where the next wave of American gymnastics may be forged. Keep an eye on each of these ten competitors—they’re the key to understanding which names will headline the U.S. Championships and, ultimately, the Los Angeles Olympics.