Katelyn Ohashi's comeback bid and Jade Carey's shot at another title both came up short Saturday at the 2026 US Classic in Hartford, Connecticut. Instead, it was 17-year-old Reese Esponda who walked away with the all-around crown.
Reese Esponda Claims U.S. Classic All-Around Title Over Jade Carey
Esponda posted a 54.900 to edge Carey (54.050) and Zoey Molomo (53.900). Still recovering from a foot injury earlier this season, Esponda sealed the win with a 14.150 double-twisting Yurchenko vault in the final rotation and also took the floor exercise title.
Carey, meanwhile, earned top honors on vault as she continues a steady return to elite US gymnastics competition. Skye Blakely added two more event wins, taking uneven bars (14.100) and balance beam (14.250).
Katelyn Ohashi Misses Gymnastics Nationals Qualifying Threshold
Then there was Ohashi. The former UCLA star and viral sensation needed a 26.800 combined score across two apparatuses to qualify for August's US Championships in Phoenix.
After adjusting her routine alongside former coach Valorie Kondos Field, she posted matching 13.200 scores on beam and floor, just 0.400 points short. Ohashi returned to elite competition last month after seven years away and has said she plans to keep training toward 2027.
"I feel like I had a really solid meet," Ohashi said. "I'm so proud of everything I've done this year."
