Behind the Scenes: U.S. Classic 2026 Meet Report, Reese Esponda Wins, Ohashi Returns & Skye Blakely Shines

Behind the Scenes: U.S. Classic 2026 Meet Report, Reese Esponda Wins, Ohashi Returns & Skye Blakely Shines

Our immediate reactions right after the meet! Everything from the 2026 U.S. Classic, including Reese Esponda's all-around victory, Katelyn Ohashi's return to elite competition, Skye Blakely's event titles, Jade Carey's upgrades, Nationals qualification, the biggest breakout performances, and historic gay TV moment. We also discuss NBC's broadcast, routine construction, Nationals qualifying procedures, and answer Club Gym Nerd questions. This is our live Q&A show, where we answer your questions. Here's how to ask questions live [https://gymcastic.com/community/club-member-area-club-member-area-member-far/#post-89]. Can't make it live? Add Club bonus episodes to your favorite podcast player (instructions here [https://gymcastic.com/community/postid/89/]). For the extended episode log in [https://gymcastic.com/my-account/], refresh this page and the extended player for Club Members will appear below. Not a member? Join here [https://gymcastic.com/club/]. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Historic Moment in Gay Gymnastics History 01:31 – Jade Carey Takes the Long View 03:11 – Reese Esponda's Bars, Beam and Winning Floor 05:41 – Katelyn Ohashi's Successful Elite Return 06:23 – Ohashi's Beam Inquiry and Qualification Score 08:45 – The Meet's Real Winner: Smart Routine Construction 10:09 – Why Ohashi's Comeback Is Already a Huge Success 13:07 – Could Ohashi Be Invited to Nationals? 15:53 – Skye Blakely Wins Bars and Beam 16:42 – Ally Damelio's Seitz 17:20 – Were the U.S. Classic Scores Too Generous? 19:12 – Leanne Wong's Smarter Beam Composition 22:53 – BONUS FOR CLUB MEMBERS BEGINS To listen to the full episode login or join Club Gym Nerd for the extended Behind The Scenes episode every Friday: https://gymcastic.com/club/ [https://gymcastic.com/club/] 23:53 – Why Katelyn Ohashi and Laurie Hernandez + Jade Made Jessica Cry 26:48 – Breakout Stars: Zoey Molomo and Isabella Anzola 31:50 – Building a World Team From the U.S. Classic 33:31 – How to Watch Peacock and the International Feed Together 34:29 – Jade Carey's Full-Twisting Double Layout Technique 36:50 – Do World Team Members Have to Be Top-Five All-Arounders? 37:10 – Should Jade Carey Increase Her Bars Difficulty? 42:02 – Charleigh Bullock's Compelling Bars Score 42:28 – Izzy Stassi's Elite Potential at Oklahoma 44:30 – Is the U.S. Currently a World-Gold Team? 45:32 – Tom Forster and the Selection Committee 49:10 – Why USAG Needs a Single-Event Qualifying Score 51:02 – Suni Lee and the Case for Specialist Qualification 52:25 – Should Katelyn Ohashi Petition to Nationals? 1:00:35 – Gymnasts Still Planning Elite Comebacks 1:03:12 – Shilese Jones' Comeback Status 1:03:30 – The Broadcast's Skye Blakely Resilience Narrative 1:08:48 – The Absurdity of Mandatory "Dry Seasons" 1:09:49 – What Does "No Partying" Actually Mean? 1:10:14 – Jessica Disappears to Dance in the Street 1:10:57 – Is LSU's Injury Management a Problem? SUPPORT OUR WORK * Club Gym Nerd: Join Club Gym Nerd [https://gymcastic.com/club/] for weekly Behind the Scenes episodes, our complete members-only archive, games, the forum and live-show discounts. * Shop GymCastic: Shop merch [https://store.gymcastic.com/]. GYMCASTIC TOOLS, GAMES AND RESOURCES * GymCastic tools: LA 2028 Roster Lab [https://gymcastic.com/2028-roster-lab/], Elite Score Explorer [https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/] and the International Gymnastics Calendar [https://gymcastic.com/gymnastics-calendar/] * GymCastic Games [https://gymcastic.com/games/] * GymCastic Newsletters [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/] * The Balance Beam Situation [https://balancebeamsituation.com/]: Spencer's GIF Code of Points * Gymnastics History [https://www.gymnastics-history.com/]: Gymnastics history and Code of Points archive from Uncle Tim * Resistance Resources [https://gymcastic.com/resistance-resources/]

Behind The Scenes: Suni Lee is back! US Classic Podium Training & Hot Mic Moments

Recorded immediately after Senior Women's podium training at the U.S. Classic. Suni Lee officially announced her comeback documentary, Katelyn Ohashi unveiled upgrades ahead of the U.S. Classic, Jade Carey looked every bit the World Team favorite, and Spencer and Jessica break down everything they saw during senior women's podium training. Plus: behind-the-scenes stories, hot mic moments, start values, fantasy picks, and an extended Club Gym Nerd Q&A. For the full episode login [https://gymcastic.com/club/] or join Club Gym Nerd. [https://gymcastic.com/club/] Here's how to ask questions live [https://gymcastic.com/community/club-member-area-club-member-area-member-far/#post-89]. Can't make it live? Add Club bonus episodes to your favorite podcast player (instructions here [https://gymcastic.com/community/postid/89/]). Not a member? Join here [https://gymcastic.com/club/]. Before competition begins, build your team for the 2026 U.S. Classic Fantasy Game [https://gymcastic.com/2026-u-s-classic-fantasy-challenge/]. Lineups lock Saturday at 6:45 p.m. Eastern. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome, Hot Mics & US Classic Podium Training 00:52 Suni Lee Officially Announces Her Comeback 03:08 Should Single Event Specialists Have a Pathway to Championships? 06:28 Katelyn Ohashi's Upgraded Floor Routine 10:00 Katelyn Ohashi's Beam Changes & Strategy 14:00 Lost Luggage, AARP & Elite Warm-Up Rituals 15:10 Skye Blakely's Beam Upgrade 17:22 Leanne Wong's New Beam Composition 21:15 Beam Connection Bonus Explained 21:56 More Leanne Wong Routine Nerding 23:01 Fantasy Game, Elite Score Explorer & Roster Lab Updates 24:55 Store Sale, Referral Program & Bluesky Groups BONUS FOR CLUB MEMBERS BEGINS To listen to the full episode login or join Club Gym Nerd for the extended Behind The Scenes episode every Friday: https://gymcastic.com/club/ [https://gymcastic.com/club/] 25:00 Beam Bonus Bungle Story 26:28 Final Thoughts on Leanne's Beam 28:59 Jade Carey Wins Podium Training 30:02 Jade's Upgrades & Event-by-Event Review 31:55 Izzy Stasi's Oklahoma Era & New Choreography 34:10 Zoe Molomo, Simone Rose & Dulcy Caylor Notes 36:45 Comedy Awards, Hot Mic Moments & Withdrawals 37:08 Club Gym Nerd Q&A Begins 38:00 Single-Event Qualification to Nationals Debate 43:02 Should Nationals Matter More Than Worlds Selection? 50:58 Who Was Terrible at Compulsories? 53:31 The Most Memorable Compulsory Disasters 56:40 Are Olympic Comebacks About Passion or Business? 01:01:39 Spencer's Dream Suni Lee Bars Routine 01:05:08 The Perfect Acting Role for Laurie Hernandez 01:05:58 Is Elite Gymnastics Inherently Bad for Kids? 01:08:43 Can You Reach Elite Without Early Specialization? SUPPORT OUR WORK * Club Gym Nerd: Join Club Gym Nerd [https://gymcastic.com/club/] for weekly Behind the Scenes episodes, our complete members-only archive, games, the forum and live-show discounts. * Shop GymCastic: Shop merch [https://store.gymcastic.com/]. GYMCASTIC TOOLS, GAMES AND RESOURCES * GymCastic tools: LA 2028 Roster Lab [https://gymcastic.com/2028-roster-lab/], Elite Score Explorer [https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/] and the International Gymnastics Calendar [https://gymcastic.com/gymnastics-calendar/] * GymCastic Games [https://gymcastic.com/games/] * GymCastic Newsletters [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/] * The Balance Beam Situation [https://balancebeamsituation.com/]: Spencer's GIF Code of Points * Gymnastics History [https://www.gymnastics-history.com/]: Gymnastics history and Code of Points archive from Uncle Tim * Resistance Resources [https://gymcastic.com/resistance-resources/]

US Classic Preview: Katelyn Ohashi, Skye Blakely & Qatar is Shopping For Gymnasts

Hear from the Ohashi and Skye themselves while we preview the 2026 U.S. Classic and break down every major storyline heading into one of the most important meets of the elite season. This week we discuss: • Katelyn Ohashi's return to elite gymnastics at age 29 and what she needs to qualify for U.S. Championships • Skye Blakely's first elite all-around competition since 2024 • Jade Carey's return after nearly a year away from competition • Leanne Wong's first meet since winning World all-around silver • Reese Esponda, Dulcy Caylor, Charleigh Bullock, Simone Rose and other gymnasts to watch • Laurie Hernandez's official official coming out • Shilese Jones calls out USA Gymnastics leadership • Romania updates • Tiana Sumanasekera will represent Sri Lanka • Qatar's recruiting of young French gymnasts • NCAA eligibility changes • World Championships qualification updates HOW TO WATCH THE 2026 U.S. CLASSIC Friday, July 17 -Senior Women's Podium Training – 2:00 p.m. ET on FlipNow Saturday, July 18 - Jr– 2:00 p.m. ET, Senior Women – 7:00 p.m. ET on Peacock/NBC GYMCASTIC LIVE FROM CLASSIC IN HARTFORD * Friday after podium training (approximately 4:30 p.m. ET) * Saturday after the senior women's competition (approximately 9:30 p.m. ET) * Play the 2026 U.S. Classic Fantasy Game [https://gymcastic.com/2026-u-s-classic-fantasy-challenge/] SUPPORT OUR WORK * Club Gym Nerd: - https://gymcastic.com/club/ [https://gymcastic.com/club/] * Shop GymCastic Merch: - https://store.gymcastic.com/ [https://store.gymcastic.com/] CHAPTERS 04:35 U.S. Classic: Qualification Scores & What's at Stake 06:26 Katelyn Ohashi's Elite Comeback 13:13 Should There Be an Ohashi Wild Card? 17:22 Skye Blakely on vault plan and Nemour 20:37 Leanne Wong Revenge Era 23:23 Jade Carey's Return Plan 26:46 Who to watch at U.S. Classic 31:04 Gymternet News 31:22 Laurie Hernandez Officially Comes Out 34:34 The "Unfinished Business" Comeback Narrative 37:48 Romania Drama Update 40:14 Philippines Federation & Levi Jung-Ruivivar 43:56 Qatar Recruiting French Gymnasts 46:19 Doping Ban & Coach Arrest 47:20 Russia, Belarus & Olympic Eligibility 49:06 Shilese Jones Speaks Out About USA Gymnastics 49:40 NCAA Adopts New Eligibility Rules GYMCASTIC TOOLS LA 2028 Roster Lab [https://gymcastic.com/2028-roster-lab/] Elite Score Explorer [https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/] International Gymnastics Calendar [https://gymcastic.com/gymnastics-calendar/] Games [https://gymcastic.com/games/] Newsletters [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/] The Balance Beam Situation [https://balancebeamsituation.com/] Gymnastics History & Code of Points Archive [https://www.gymnastics-history.com/] Resistance Resources [https://gymcastic.com/resistance-resources/]

Becky Downie: Paris, Trauma, Fibroids & Changing British Gymnastics

Three-time Olympian Becky Downie is here and opens up about the difficult years between Tokyo and Paris, why she never officially retired after the Olympics, recovering from multiple surgeries and two Achilles ruptures, competing without a permanent gym or coach, and why she believes British Gymnastics has finally begun to change. We also discuss the future of uneven bars, athlete autonomy, trauma-informed coaching, and the equipment issue Becky says is holding back bar specialists around the world. CHAPTERS 00:00 Cold Open – "I Wasn't a Functioning Human" 00:25 Introduction: Becky Downie's Journey to Paris 05:27 Life After Paris: Retirement, Fibroids & Starting Again 08:08 Discovering the Fibroids That Changed Everything 14:42 Dating, Family & Wanting Children 15:27 Paris Olympics: New Coaches, New Team Dynamic 20:00 Trauma, Lilleshall & Recovering After Tokyo 31:19 Learning to Heal & Process Trauma 37:39 Training Without a Coach or Gym 40:12 Why LA 2028 Is Still the Goal 44:07 Sponsor: Huel 45:37 Body Maintenance, Strength Training & Supplements 51:30 Has British Gymnastics Really Changed? 54:22 Equipment Injustice: The Uneven Bars Problem 57:03 Why Gymnova Bars Need to Change 01:01:08 Two Achilles Ruptures & Learning to Trust Your Body 01:08:25 Athlete Autonomy & Speaking Up 01:11:17 Athlete Representation & The Future 01:12:34 The Book Becky Wants to Write 01:15:33 Looking Ahead to LA 2028 01:15:43 Update: Coach, New Gym & Commonwealth Games Decision GET MORE FROM GYMCASTIC Join Club Gym Nerd for weekly Behind the Scenes episodes, extended interviews, live Q&As, exclusive commissions, our members-only forum, fantasy gymnastics, and more: https://gymcastic.com/club/ Elite Score Explorer: https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/ Roster Lab: https://gymcastic.com/2028-roster-lab/ Gymnastics Calendar: https://gymcastic.com/gymnastics-calendar/ Live Shows: https://gymcastic.com/live-shows/ GymCastic Store: https://store.gymcastic.com/ Newsletter: https://gymcastic.com/ Becky Downie Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJwVDDnyD6Ig OUR SPONSOR: HUEL Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with our exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with code GYMCASTIC at huel.com/GYMCASTIC. New customers only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show. SUPPORT GYMCASTIC Club Gym Nerd members get our weekly Behind the Scenes podcast every Friday, extended interviews, live Q&As, discounts on live shows, fantasy gymnastics, games, and our members-only forum. Refer a friend to Club Gym Nerd! Once they sign up, email customerservice@gymcastic.com with "Referral" in the subject line and you'll both receive a free month of membership. Everything is at GymCastic.com.

The History of Italian Gymnastics: From Circus Acrobatics to Olympic Champions

The History of Italian Gymnastics traces the remarkable rise of one of the world's most successful gymnastics nations—from Italy's early Olympic champions and circus acrobatics roots to the Vanessa Ferrari revolution and today's powerhouse led by Alice D'Amato and Manila Esposito. We explore the forgotten pioneers, iconic eponymous skills, the dominance of Jury Chechi on rings, the 2019 breakthrough World medal, the unforgettable Paris Olympics, and whether Italy has what it takes to defeat Team USA during the Los Angeles quad. Along the way we revisit Vanessa Ferrari's controversial Olympic floor finals, the MTV series that made Italian gymnasts celebrities, and the innovations that changed the Code of Points forever. CHAPTERS 00:00 The History of Italian Gymnastics 01:40 Why Italy Is a Gymnastics Superpower Today 06:40 Italy's First Olympic Champions & Circus Origins 12:58 Which Gymnastics Cities Would Win Olympic Gold? 17:05 Italy's First Women's Olympic Medal 19:00 Laura Micheli: The Lady of the Rings 23:05 The Rome Olympics at the Baths of Caracalla 26:26 The Sexism Era & Why Italy Stopped Winning 29:50 Jury Chechi & The Return of Italian Dominance 33:05 Italy's Most Innovative Skills 38:03 Italian Skills Still in the Code of Points 44:35 GymCastic Updates & Community News 46:16 The Ferrari Revolution Begins 50:34 Vanessa Ferrari Wins the 2006 World Title 56:10 Should Ferrari Have Medaled in 2012 & 2016? 01:01:00 Did Vanessa Ferrari Deserve Olympic Gold in Tokyo? 01:07:10 MTV's Italian Gymnastics Reality Show 01:14:35 The Next Generation: 2019 World Bronze 01:19:40 Nicola Bartolini & Italy's Men's Revival 01:22:48 Paris 2024: Team Silver & Beam Gold 01:28:59 Can Italy Beat Team USA? UP NEXT * Behind The Scenes [https://gymcastic.com/category/club-content/behind-the-scenes/] Fridays at noon Pacific (no BTS on July 4th but enjoy the entire archive [https://gymcastic.com/category/club-content/behind-the-scenes/]!) SUPPORT OUR WORK * Club Gym Nerd: J [https://gymcastic.com/club/]oin Here [https://gymcastic.com/club/] * Merch: Shop Now [https://gymcastic.com/shop/] NEW! GymCastic Tools * * LA 2028 Roster Lab [https://gymcastic.com/2028-roster-lab/]j * Elite Score Explorer [https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/] * International Gymnastics Calendar [https://gymcastic.com/gymnastics-calendar/] * Games [https://gymcastic.com/games/] * Newsletters [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/] * The Balance Beam Situation [https://balancebeamsituation.com/]: Spencer's GIF Code of Points * Gymnastics History [https://www.gymnastics-history.com/] and Code of Points Archive from Uncle Tim * Resistance Resources [https://gymcastic.com/resistance-resources/]