Over 100 elite gymnasts are set to converge in Phoenix this week for the 2026 US Gymnastics Championships, a key event running from August 6 to 9. This competition not only crowns national champions but also plays a crucial role in selecting the United States team for the upcoming World Championships, all while serving as an early milestone on the path to the 2028 LA Olympics.
The Road to LA28 Starts in Phoenix
Leading the charge in the women’s division is Jade Carey, returning to compete on home turf. The Oregon State graduate, who has not appeared at nationals since 2024, carries an impressive résumé that includes an Olympic floor exercise gold medal from Tokyo 2020 and a team gold from Paris 2024. Despite these accolades, a US all-around title remains elusive for Carey, making this year’s championship a pivotal opportunity.
Joining Carey in the hunt for the all-around crown are two formidable contenders: the reigning champion Hezly Rivera and rising star Sky Blakely. Rivera, just 18, dominated the 2025 season by claiming four of the five individual national titles. However, her participation this year is clouded by concerns over a hamstring injury sustained at the Pan American Championships in June, which forced her withdrawal after the first vault. This injury casts uncertainty over her readiness to defend her title.
In contrast, Sky Blakely arrives with strong momentum. The Florida gymnast recently secured victories on bars and beam at the US Classic and is stepping up to compete in the all-around at nationals for the first time since 2024. With Rivera’s fitness in question, Blakely stands as a prime contender to challenge for the top spot.