With Simone Biles on the sidelines, a new generation of gymnasts emerged, led by 16-year-old Claire Pease, who soared to the top of the all-around standings at the U.S. Classic. Her victory was powered by consistent, top-three finishes on all four events.
The win came in a dramatic comeback. Kieryn Rose, 17, entered the final rotation with a 0.35-point lead, having started her competition with an impressive 13.800 on her one-and-a-half twisting Yurchenko vault and a 13.950 on the uneven bars. However, Pease overtook her in the final moments, executing a powerful Yurchenko double full for a 14.050 score. Rose’s clean but lower-difficulty floor routine earned a 13.300, securing her the silver medal.
Returning to elite competition for the first time since last summer’s Olympic Trials, Joscelyn Roberson delivered a solid and powerful performance. Fresh off her freshman season at the University of Arkansas, her highlights included a nearly wobble-free balance beam routine and a dynamic floor exercise that engaged the crowd.
In contrast, future Paris Olympic teammate Hezly Rivera struggled in her first two rotations, with errors on her uneven bars dismount and a fall on the balance beam. These mistakes proved costly, and she finished tied for 12th place.
The event served as the final qualifier for the U.S. Championships, set for August 7–10 in New Orleans. Senior gymnasts who scored 52.000 or higher in the all-around earned automatic qualification for the national competition.
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