Katelyn Ohashi, the former UCLA gymnastics standout who gained international fame for her viral 2019 floor routine, is returning to elite competition at the 2026 U.S. Classic. After a 13-year hiatus from the elite level, Ohashi is targeting a qualification score of 26.800 across two events to secure a spot at the upcoming U.S. Championships in August.
Ohashi’s Path to the 2026 U.S. Classic
Following her competitive debut at the American Classic in June, Ohashi is preparing for the U.S. Classic scheduled for July 17–18 in Hartford, Connecticut. According to her statements to the media, the American Classic served as a "very good baseline" for her scoring potential, even as she fell short of the qualifying threshold for the U.S. Championships.
Ohashi posted a 24.650 total at the American Classic, competing on the balance beam and floor exercise. To reach the U.S. Championships, she must improve her combined score to 26.800. While her return to the elite stage after more than a decade away is significant, Ohashi has emphasized that her primary goal for this season is simply to return to the sport and remain injury-free.
Adjusting Training for the Elite Level
The transition to the elite level has required a fundamental shift in Ohashi’s training regimen. Now 29, Ohashi told reporters that she prioritizes quality over quantity, performing fewer repetitions while ensuring each one is precise. She also incorporates consistent physical therapy after every practice to manage the physical demands of elite-level training.
During the American Classic, Ohashi noted the differences in the atmosphere compared to her time as a teenage prodigy. While she found the environment—and seeing familiar judges from her earlier career—to be an amusing experience, she remains focused on upgrading her routines. She currently plans to limit her competition to the beam and floor exercise, with hopes of adding the uneven bars to her repertoire in 2027.
Competition Context and Broadcast Information
The U.S. Classic represents a higher-stakes environment than the American Classic, featuring large arenas and significant spectator crowds. Ohashi has stated that she thrives in these high-pressure settings, noting that the increased energy of a full arena often helps her performance.
The senior women’s session of the 2026 U.S. Classic will take place in Hartford, Connecticut. Viewers can watch the competition live from 7–9 p.m. ET on July 17–18 via NBC Sports Network and Peacock.
Key Details for the 2026 U.S. Classic
- Event Dates: July 17–18, 2026
- Location: Hartford, Conn.
- Qualifying Goal: 26.800 combined score for U.S. Championships
- Ohashi’s Events: Balance beam and floor exercise
- Broadcast: NBC Sports Network and Peacock
Ohashi’s return coincides with the comeback of other notable athletes, including three-time Olympic medalist Jade Carey. While their approaches to the competition differ—with Ohashi maintaining a lighthearted demeanor and Carey adopting a more stoic focus—both athletes are looking to re-establish their standing in the current elite gymnastics landscape.