2026 U.S. Classic Debrief: Esponda, Ohashi's Next Move and the Worlds Picture

HEADLINES
Nadia Comăneci says Ana Barbosu's legal fees in the fight to retain her Paris 2024 bronze medal will be covered.
U.S. CLASSIC MORNING-AFTER COFFEE KLATSCH Reese Esponda Wins the U.S. Classic All-Around
Esponda improved her top all-around score by nearly a full point, finished almost a point ahead of Jade Carey and entered the conversation for a World Championships team spot.
Full U.S. Classic results and video of every routine
Katelyn Ohashi Returns to Elite Gymnastics
Ohashi made her triumphant return to elite gymnastics for the first time since 2013—and competed in her first senior U.S. Classic.
Is Skye Blakely the All-Around Favorite for Nationals? MINI COMMISSION: EFFICIENT ROUTINE CONSTRUCTION: request for smart routine construction for Dulcy Caylor and Kaylia Nemour World Championships Qualifiers
China, Japan, South Korea and North Korea qualified teams to Rotterdam.
Amanda Yap of Singapore earned an individual Worlds spot.
The Uzbekistani and Filipino men missed Worlds qualification despite outscoring the United States and Brazil, which did qualify.
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Ana Barbosu's Legal Fees
06:51 – U.S. Classic Debrief
12:55 – Reese Esponda's Worlds Case
21:25 – Katelyn Ohashi's Next Move
27:07 – Skye Blakely and Jade Carey
36:39 – Who We're Worried About
43:36 – U.S. International Standing
48:20 – Gymternet News
54:00 – Efficient Routine Construction
1:13:03 – Commonwealth Games and Worlds Qualifiers
RELATED EPISODES
Behind the Scenes: U.S. Classic 2026 Meet Report
Behind the Scenes: Podium Training Report—U.S. Classic 2026
Behind the Scenes: Ohashi Is Back with Scott Bregman
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Cover art photos of Skye Blakely, Jade Carey and Reese Esponda © GymCastic/Steve Cooper. All rights reserved. Katelyn Ohashi cover-art photo © Melissa J. Perenson/Cal Sport Media.