US Classic 2025: First Major Competition Sets Stage for Championship Season
The 2025 US Classic in Hoffman Estates delivered the first comprehensive look at American gymnastics talent in the post-Olympic year. Claire Pease, competing in her first senior season, claimed the all-around title with 54.600, establishing herself as an early favorite for next month's US Championships. The competition featured a mix of returning Olympic athletes and emerging talent, providing initial benchmarks for the 2025 season ahead of World Championships selection.
Key Takeaways
- 16-year-old Claire Pease wins first senior title, positioning for US Championships
- New generation debuts with several first-year seniors competing
- Olympic veterans return to competition after varied post-Paris timelines
- Early-season routines focus on execution over maximum difficulty
Emerging Talent Takes Center Stage
Claire Pease dominated the field with consistent execution across all events, highlighted by a 14.050 vault that secured her victory. The 2024 junior national champion demonstrated seamless transition to senior competition, posting scores that position her as a contender for the World Championships team. Pease was undefeated in domestic junior competition in 2024, winning Winter Cup, Classic, and US Championships.
Olympians Continue Elite Careers Alongside NCAA
Several Paris 2024 Olympians competed as they continue building toward future international competitions. Hezly Rivera had competed at February's Winter Cup (beam only) and June's Pan American Championships where she won all-around bronze and posted a 54.766 total, while at US Classic she showed continued progress with a second-place floor routine (13.85). Joscelyn Roberson and Leanne Wong both seamlessly transitioned between NCAA and elite competition, with Wong completing her collegiate career at Florida and Roberson finishing her first NCAA season at Arkansas. Notably, both join more than 30 Tokyo and Paris Olympic gymnasts (including women on reserve teams) who have joined NCAA since NIL's 2021 introduction, including 13 from Team USA.
Setting the Championship Timeline
The Classic serves as the final qualifier for the 2025 US Championships scheduled for August 7-10 in New Orleans. Results from both competitions will determine World Championships team selection, with the selection camp scheduled for late September. Early-season performances indicate depth in American gymnastics, with multiple athletes capable of contributing to international success. Additionally, Skye Blakely has successfully petitioned to compete at Championships despite missing the Classic due to injury, adding another proven competitor to the field.