Particle.news

Skye Blakely Ties Claire Pease for Lead at U.S. Gymnastics Championships

Strong beam, bars and vault scores leave her well positioned for Sunday’s final, a comeback step toward a Los Angeles 2028 bid.

Overview

  • Blakely and 17-year-old Claire Pease are tied for the all-around lead with 55.600 after the opening night in Phoenix on Friday.
  • Blakely posted the meet’s second-highest scores on balance beam and uneven bars and finished with a dynamic vault that kept a national title within reach.
  • The 21-year-old is competing in her first elite all-around since rupturing her right Achilles at the 2024 Olympic Trials and has used NCAA competition at the University of Florida to rebuild her all-around readiness.
  • Sixteen-year-old Charleigh Bullock sits third at 54.400 and defending champion Hezly Rivera is fourth after a fall on the uneven bars, leaving the final day tightly contested.
  • Sunday’s results will shape national rankings and momentum but will not alone decide Olympic teams, which are chosen later through U.S. trials and selection processes for Los Angeles 2028.