Katelyn Ohashi Aims for U.S. Championship Berth at Upcoming Classic

Gymnastics standout Katelyn Ohashi is preparing to elevate her competitive return next week in Hartford, Connecticut, as she transitions from the American Classic to the larger stage of the 2026 U.S. Classic. The 29-year-old, who returned to elite competition in June for the first time in 13 years, finished third on the balance beam in her recent debut and is now targeting a specific score to advance further in the season.

Ohashi needs to achieve a combined total of 26.800 points at the upcoming event to qualify for August’s U.S. Championships. Her performance at the American Classic, where she scored a 13.150 on beam, served as a baseline for her current capabilities. She noted that the experience was less stressful than anticipated, citing familiarity with the judges and the environment as factors that allowed her to enjoy the moment.

While the turnaround between events has been brief, Ohashi plans to present upgraded routines in Hartford, particularly on the floor exercise. Her previous competition featured a “dance-through” on floor with limited tumbling, but she intends to expand her repertoire this time around. Known for her charismatic performances, Ohashi gained widespread attention in 2019 with a viral perfect-10 floor routine while competing for the UCLA Bruins.

Managing physical health remains a priority for the former prodigy. Ohashi has adjusted her training approach significantly compared to her teenage years, emphasizing quality over quantity in repetitions and immediately reporting to physical therapy following practice sessions. Currently focusing on floor and beam, she has expressed intentions to add uneven bars to her competitive lineup in 2027.

The event will be broadcast on Comcast Corporation platforms. Comcast is currently trading at $23.34, up 0.28% from the previous close, with a market capitalization of approximately $83.5 billion. As a major player in the media and telecom services sector, Comcast’s coverage of elite gymnastics continues to provide visibility for athletes returning to the sport.

What to watch

• Ohashi’s combined score at the U.S. Classic to see if she hits the 26.800 threshold for national championships.
• Changes in her floor exercise difficulty and tumbling passes compared to June.

Source: original release