The lights have dimmed in the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, the chalk dust has settled, and the final roars of the crowd have faded into memory. But for the athletes of the 2025 U.S. Senior Artistic Women's Gymnastics Championships, the echoes of this past weekend will reverberate for a long time to come. We witnessed the crowning of a new national champion, the return of a beloved veteran, and the emergence of a fierce and talented Senior National Team that will carry the torch for the United States on the world stage. If you’re a gymnastics fan, this was a weekend that had it all: drama, heartbreak, and ultimately, the triumph of the human spirit.
Hezly Rivera’s Coronation
Going into the competition, all eyes were on a handful of contenders, but as the weekend unfolded, one athlete rose above the rest, demonstrating a potent combination of power, artistry, and unwavering consistency. Hezly Rivera, representing WOGA Gymnastics, is your new U.S. All-Around Champion, and her performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Rivera, a member of the gold medal-winning team at the Paris Olympics, came into this championship with a quiet confidence that grew with each rotation. She didn't just win; she dominated. With a commanding two-day all-around score of 112.000, Rivera left no doubt that she is the new leader of this U.S. team.
But her victory wasn't just in the all-around. Rivera also claimed gold on the balance beam with a stunning two-day total of 28.350 and on floor exercise with a 28.200. As if that weren't enough, she also tied for first on the uneven bars with a score of 27.600. That’s three national titles in one weekend, a clear statement that she is ready to lead the charge to the World Championships in Jakarta.
The Fight for the Podium
While Rivera was in a class of her own, the battle for the remaining spots on the podium was a nail-biter. Leanne Wong, the veteran from the University of Florida, once again showcased her trademark consistency and beautiful gymnastics to secure the silver medal with a two-day total of 111.200. Wong's performance was highlighted by a powerful and precise Cheng vault that earned her the national title on that event with a score of 28.175. Her experience and poise under pressure were on full display, proving that she is still a force to be reckoned with.
The bronze medal went to Joscelyn Roberson of the University of Arkansas, who brought her signature power and explosiveness to every event. Roberson’s dynamic floor routine, which earned her a silver medal on that event with a 27.900, was a crowd favorite. Her all-around score of 109.600 was a testament to her fight and determination.
A Comeback for the Ages
One of the most emotional and inspiring stories of the championships was the return of Skye Blakely. After a devastating Achilles tear just before the Olympic trials last year, many wondered if we would ever see her competing at the elite level again. But Blakely proved the doubters wrong, returning to competition on the uneven bars and balance beam.
And what a return it was. Not only did she compete, but she excelled, tying with Hezly Rivera for the national title on the uneven bars with a score of 27.600 and earning a silver medal on the balance beam with a 27.850. To see Blakely back in top form, performing with such confidence and grace, was a truly special moment. It’s a testament to her incredible resilience and work ethic, and a reminder that the gymnastics world is better with her in it.
The Newly Minted Senior National Team
At the conclusion of the competition, USA Gymnastics named the new Senior National Team. These are the athletes who will be invited to the World Championships Selection Camp, where the team for Jakarta will be chosen. Your 2025 Senior Women's National Team is:
Hezly Rivera
Leanne Wong
Joscelyn Roberson
Skye Blakely
Ashlee Sullivan
Simone Rose
Jayla Hang
Gabrielle Hardie
Dulcy Caylor
Tiana Sumanasekera
Claire Pease
This is a team brimming with talent, a mix of veterans and rising stars who will be looking to make their mark on the international stage.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 U.S. Gymnastics Championships was a thrilling competition that gave us a glimpse into the future of the sport in this country. With Hezly Rivera at the helm, and a strong and determined team behind her, the U.S. is well-positioned for success at the upcoming World Championships. The road to Jakarta now runs through the World Championships Selection Camp, and you can be sure that every one of these athletes will be giving it their all to earn a spot on that team.
This weekend was a reminder of what makes this sport so special: the incredible athleticism, the heart-stopping drama, and the inspiring stories of athletes who refuse to give up on their dreams. The future of USA Gymnastics is bright, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what this new generation of stars will achieve.