US Gymnastics Championships 2025: The 2025 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, held from August 7-10 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a thrilling display of athleticism, determination, and star power. As the 61st edition of this prestigious event, it brought together the nation’s top gymnasts, including Olympic medalists and rising stars, all vying for national titles, world championship berths, and spots on Team USA. With a vibrant crowd and live broadcasts on NBC, Peacock, and CNBC, the championships marked a pivotal moment on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Here’s a look at the highlights, results, and what made this event unforgettable.
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A Star-Studded Lineup of Gymnasts
The 2025 Championships featured an impressive roster, including five athletes from the Paris 2024 Olympics. The field was headlined by:
- Hezly Rivera, the youngest member of the U.S. women’s gold-medal-winning team in Paris.
- Asher Hong, Brody Malone, Frederick Richard, and Stephen Nedoroscik, all part of the men’s bronze-medal team.
- Leanne Wong and Joscelyn Roberson, Paris Olympic alternates, who brought fierce competition to the women’s events.
- Skye Blakely, returning after an Achilles injury, competing on uneven bars and balance beam.
These athletes, alongside up-and-coming juniors and seniors, made the event a blend of experience and fresh talent, setting the stage for intense competition.
Competition Schedule and Format
The four-day event alternated between men’s and women’s competitions, with junior and senior sessions each day. Here’s the schedule (all times Eastern):
- Thursday, August 7: Junior Men (2:30 p.m.), Senior Men (8:00 p.m.)
- Friday, August 8: Junior Women (2:45 p.m.), Senior Women (7:45 p.m.)
- Saturday, August 9: Junior Men (1:00 p.m.), Senior Men (6:30 p.m.)
- Sunday, August 10: Junior Women (1:45 p.m.), Senior Women (7:00 p.m.)
Gymnasts competed over two days, with the highest combined scores determining the all-around and event champions. A unique “Squad Showdown” added excitement, where rotation groups’ top three scores on each event from Day 1 were tallied to crown a winning squad.
Standout Performances and Results
The competition delivered jaw-dropping moments. Hezly Rivera clinched her first women’s all-around title with a score of 112.000, capped by a stunning 14.200 floor routine. Asher Hong secured his second men’s all-around title with a commanding 85.585 on Day 1. Notable event winners included:
- Women’s Vault: Leanne Wong (13.675)
- Women’s Uneven Bars: Skye Blakely
- Men’s Floor: Asher Hong (14.808)
- Men’s Pommel Horse: Patrick Hoopes (15.775)
- Men’s Vault: Asher Hong (14.915)
Stephen Nedoroscik, fondly known as “The Pommel Horse Guy,” aimed for a fifth consecutive pommel horse title but was outscored by Hoopes, though he still delivered a solid performance.
Impact on the Road to Worlds and Beyond
The Championships were a critical stepping stone for the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, in October. The women’s all-around winner, Hezly Rivera, earned an automatic spot on the world team, with the remaining three spots to be decided by a committee based on performances at nationals and other meets. For the men, up to six athletes could be selected, with standouts like Asher Hong, Brody Malone, and Patrick Hoopes named to the world team. The event also shaped the senior and junior national teams, setting the stage for the 2028 Olympic cycle.
Why the 2025 Championships Mattered
Beyond the medals, the 2025 U.S. Gymnastics Championships were a celebration of resilience and growth. New Orleans, hosting for the first time since 1995, provided a vibrant backdrop for gymnasts to shine. The absence of stars like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Jade Carey opened the door for new faces like Claire Pease and Simone Rose to make their mark. The event’s broadcast on NBC, Peacock, and USA Gymnastics’ YouTube channel brought the action to fans worldwide, amplifying the sport’s reach. As the gymnastics world looks toward 2028, this championship was a reminder of the sport’s bright future in the U.S.