Gymnastics 2025 U.S. Classic Medal Winners
The gymnastics world turned its eyes to Hoffman Estates, Illinois, this past weekend for the 2025 U.S. Classic, an event that serves as a crucial stepping stone on the road to the U.S. Championships. With seasoned veterans and rising stars alike, the competition showcased the immense talent and depth of American women's artistic gymnastics. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, as fans witnessed a thrilling display of power, precision, and artistry. By the end of the competition, new names had been etched into the annals of U.S. gymnastics, and the landscape for the rest of the season had been set.
The senior all-around competition was a nail-biting affair that came down to the final rotation. It was a true passing of the torch, as last year's junior champion, Claire Pease of WOGA Gymnastics, secured her first senior all-around title. Pease, a 16-year-old from Sunnyvale, Texas, showcased remarkable consistency across all four events. Her final score of 54.600 was a testament to her hard work and cool demeanor under pressure. She sealed her victory with a powerful Yurchenko double full on vault, a performance that not only earned her a high score but also helped her overtake the leader going into the final rotation.
The gymnast she surpassed was Simone Rose of Pacific Reign Gymnastics. Rose, who had led for the first three rotations, delivered a fantastic performance of her own, ultimately taking home the silver medal with a score of 54.200. Known for her powerful execution and a keen sense of artistry, Rose started her competition with a stuck Yurchenko 1.5 on vault and continued to impress on the uneven bars. Her strong performance solidifies her place as a top contender this season.
Rounding out the all-around podium was Joscelyn Roberson of the University of Arkansas. An Olympic alternate from Paris, Roberson showed why she is a force to be reckoned with. Her powerful vault and solid beam routine propelled her to a bronze medal with a score of 53.250. It was a welcome return to elite competition for the collegiate athlete, who is looking to make her mark at worlds this year.
Event by Event: A Showcase of Individual Brilliance
While the all-around title is a coveted prize, the individual events offered a chance for specialists to shine. Each apparatus had its own story, with new champions emerging and established gymnasts confirming their status.
Vault: Not content with just the all-around title, Claire Pease also claimed the gold medal on vault, with a two-vault average of 13.575. Her Yurchenko double full was one of the most impressive vaults of the competition, demonstrating both power and clean execution.
Uneven Bars: The uneven bars title went to Myli Lew of San Mateo Gymnastics. Lew delivered a beautiful and difficult routine that earned her the highest score of the competition on any event, a 14.050. Her performance was marked by clean lines and seamless connections, and she was the only senior gymnast to break the 14-point mark. Simone Rose continued her stellar day on bars, taking home the silver with a 13.950, while Claire Pease and Alicia Zhou tied for bronze with a score of 13.700.
Balance Beam: Beam is often the most nerve-wracking event, but Ashlee Sullivan of Metroplex Gymnastics performed with a veteran's poise to win the gold medal. Her routine was a masterclass in control and confidence, earning her a score of 13.550. Harlow Buddendeck of RGA followed closely for the silver with a 13.450, and Claire Pease added to her medal collection with a bronze, scoring a 13.400.
Floor Exercise: The floor exercise competition was a true exhibition of performance and tumbling prowess. Reese Esponda of World Champions Centre took the floor title with an electric routine that scored a 13.950. Her powerful tumbling passes and engaging choreography captivated the crowd. Hezly Rivera, an Olympic champion from Paris, showed her incredible talent and fighting spirit, coming in second with a 13.850 after an earlier fall on another apparatus. Gabrielle Hardie of Twin City Twisters rounded out the top three with a score of 13.650, showcasing a dynamic and energetic performance.
The Junior Division: The Future is Bright
The U.S. Classic also featured a highly competitive junior division, giving fans a glimpse of the next generation of American gymnastics stars. Lavi Crain of GAGE Gymnastics was the standout, winning the junior all-around title with a score of 54.450. Crain’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, including gold medal-winning routines on both vault (14.250) and balance beam (14.050).
Charleigh Bullock of Capital Gymnastics took the silver in the junior all-around with a score of 52.650, a performance highlighted by her gold medal on uneven bars, where she posted an incredible 14.400. Kylie Smith of Cincinnati Gymnastics rounded out the junior all-around podium with a bronze medal, scoring 51.800.
The 2025 U.S. Classic was more than just a competition; it was a powerful statement about the health and vitality of women's gymnastics in the United States. With veterans making triumphant returns and a new wave of athletes ready to challenge for the top spots, the road to the U.S. Championships promises to be an exhilarating journey. The performances in Hoffman Estates have set the stage for what is sure to be a thrilling championship season. The new stars have arrived, and they are ready to shine.