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.