Katelyn Ohashi performs on the floor exercise at the 2026 U.S. Classic in Hartford, Conn., on July 18.
USA Gymnastics
It was Ohashi’s debut as a senior elite gymnast at the U.S. Classic, but she reported feeling “at home” on Saturday in Hartford. Just weeks after reentering competition at June’s American Classic, Ohashi demonstrated marked progress following a 13-year hiatus, though the performances were insufficient to qualify for the U.S. Championships.
The 29‑year‑old competed on the balance beam and floor exercise, showcasing smoother difficulty and her signature showmanship. She began the beam routine confidently, executing her acrobatic skills flawlessly and impressing the Connecticut crowd with a powerful dismount.
Ohashi earned a 13.200 on the beam—her identical score from the American Classic and the sixth‑highest score of the evening. She concluded the meet on floor, delivering a routine enhanced with intricate dance elements, which earned her a second 13.200 and a fifth‑place finish.
The scores marked a near‑two‑point improvement from the American Classic, bringing her total at Hartford to 26.400. Despite this progress, it fell short of the 26.800 threshold needed for automatic qualification to the U.S. Championships in Phoenix.
Falling Just Short of Phoenix
Entering the competition, Ohashi targeted a combined score of 26.800 to secure a spot at August’s U.S. Championships. Her total of 26.400 left her four‑tenthscollapsed below the target, denying her direct entry.
Nevertheless, Ohashi expressed no regret after the meet. “I couldn’t ask for anything more. I feel like I had a really solid meet,” she told reporters on Saturday.
Katelyn Ohashi smiles after competing on the balance beam at the 2026 U.S. Classic in Hartford, Conn., on July 18.
USA Gymnastics
Her coaches at Pacific Reign emphasized an artistic approach in Hartford, aiming to amplify scoring potential through cleaner, less acrobatic elements. After receiving an initial 13.300, the team consulted judges regarding difficulty, but a subsequent reevaluation lowered the beam score to 13.200. “My score went down,” Ohashi remarked, laughing. “But you have to gamble, right?”
Joy and the Road to 2028
Ohashi’s routines radiated joy—a focus that helped her evade disappointment from Saturday’s results. The Hartford crowd reciprocated with enthusiastic cheers, underscoring the athlete’s ability to captivate audiences.
“That’s what my gymnastics is about: being happy and bringing joy in,” she said. While her team could petition to attend the U.S. Championships, Ohashi’s immediate plans remain uncertain.
“At the end of the day, I’m so proud of everything I’ve done this year,” she added.
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Even though Phoenix was an immediate objective, Ohashi remains steadfast in her long‑term goal of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. On Saturday, she took a confident, joyous step toward that future.