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 UP NEXT Behind the Scenes, our live Q&A podcast, Fridays at noon Pacific. SUPPORT OUR WORK Join Club Gym Nerd for weekly Behind the Scenes episodes, our complete members-only archive, games, the forum and live-show discounts. Shop GymCastic merchandise. Thanks to our sponsor Huel -our exclusive offer of 15% OFF with our code GYMCASTIC at huel.com/GYMCASTIC. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! GYMCASTIC TOOLS, GAMES AND RESOURCES LA 2028 Roster Lab Elite Score Explorer International Gymnastics Calendar GymCastic Games GymCastic Newsletters The Balance Beam Situation: Spencer's GIF Code of Points Gymnastics History: Uncle Tim's gymnastics history and Code of Points archive Resistance Resources 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.