US Classic Preview: Katelyn Ohashi, Skye Blakely & Qatar is Shopping For Gymnasts

Hear from the Ohashi and Skye themselves while we preview the 2026 U.S. Classic and break down every major storyline heading into one of the most important meets of the elite season.
This week we discuss: • Katelyn Ohashi's return to elite gymnastics at age 29 and what she needs to qualify for U.S. Championships • Skye Blakely's first elite all-around competition since 2024 • Jade Carey's return after nearly a year away from competition • Leanne Wong's first meet since winning World all-around silver • Reese Esponda, Dulcy Caylor, Charleigh Bullock, Simone Rose and other gymnasts to watch • Laurie Hernandez's official official coming out • Shilese Jones calls out USA Gymnastics leadership • Romania updates • Tiana Sumanasekera will represent Sri Lanka • Qatar's recruiting of young French gymnasts • NCAA eligibility changes • World Championships qualification updates
HOW TO WATCH THE 2026 U.S. CLASSIC
Friday, July 17 -Senior Women's Podium Training – 2:00 p.m. ET on FlipNow
Saturday, July 18 - Jr– 2:00 p.m. ET, Senior Women – 7:00 p.m. ET on Peacock/NBC
GYMCASTIC LIVE FROM CLASSIC IN HARTFORD
Friday after podium training (approximately 4:30 p.m. ET)
Saturday after the senior women's competition (approximately 9:30 p.m. ET)
Play the 2026 U.S. Classic Fantasy Game
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Club Gym Nerd: - https://gymcastic.com/club/
Shop GymCastic Merch: - https://store.gymcastic.com/
CHAPTERS
04:35 U.S. Classic: Qualification Scores & What's at Stake 06:26 Katelyn Ohashi's Elite Comeback 13:13 Should There Be an Ohashi Wild Card? 17:22 Skye Blakely on vault plan and Nemour 20:37 Leanne Wong Revenge Era 23:23 Jade Carey's Return Plan 26:46 Who to watch at U.S. Classic 31:04 Gymternet News 31:22 Laurie Hernandez Officially Comes Out 34:34 The "Unfinished Business" Comeback Narrative 37:48 Romania Drama Update 40:14 Philippines Federation & Levi Jung-Ruivivar 43:56 Qatar Recruiting French Gymnasts 46:19 Doping Ban & Coach Arrest 47:20 Russia, Belarus & Olympic Eligibility 49:06 Shilese Jones Speaks Out About USA Gymnastics 49:40 NCAA Adopts New Eligibility Rules
GYMCASTIC TOOLS
LA 2028 Roster Lab
Elite Score Explorer
International Gymnastics Calendar
Games
Newsletters
The Balance Beam Situation
Gymnastics History & Code of Points Archive
Resistance Resources