The 2025 US Classic came to an end on July 19, leaving behind a trail of headlines and memorable performances. The event, which showcased the best of American gymnastics, was filled with excitement, surprises, and a strong sense of camaraderie among the athletes.
One of the biggest highlights of the US Classic was the presence of Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in US history. Biles, who has been dominating the sport for years, was there to support her WCC (World Champions Centre) teammates, Joscelyn Roberson and Dulcy Caylor. Biles’ presence not only boosted the morale of her teammates but also added to the overall energy of the event.
But it wasn’t just Biles who stole the show at the US Classic. Olympic champion Hezly Rivera, who is only 17 years old, also made headlines with her performance. Riding high on her success at the Paris Olympics, Rivera was expected to deliver a flawless performance. However, the pressure seemed to get the better of her as she fell on both uneven bars and balance beam. Her first mistake came in the form of a messy dismount on bars, followed by another fall on the balance beam.
The news of Rivera’s fall spread like wildfire, and the gymnastics community was quick to react. While some expressed disappointment, others came to her defense, reminding everyone that even the best of athletes can have an off day. However, amidst all the reactions, there was one that stood out – that of Laurie Hernandez.
Hernandez, who is a former Olympic gymnast and a fan favorite, took to social media to share a heartfelt message for Rivera. In her post, she not only offered words of encouragement but also reminded everyone of the importance of supporting each other in the gymnastics community. Her post read, “To my fellow gymnasts, let’s remember that we are a family. We all have our good days and bad days, but what matters is that we support each other through it all. Hezly, you are a champion, and one fall does not define you. Keep your head up and keep shining.”
Hernandez’s message struck a chord with the gymnastics community, and soon, the hashtag #GymnastsSupportingGymnasts started trending on social media. It was heartwarming to see athletes from different countries and backgrounds coming together to show their support for Rivera.
The US Classic also saw some impressive performances from other gymnasts. Joscelyn Roberson, who is Biles’ teammate at WCC, wowed the audience with her powerful routines on the floor and vault. Dulcy Caylor, another WCC teammate, also delivered a solid performance, showcasing her skills on the balance beam and uneven bars.
The event also saw some new faces making their mark. 14-year-old Ava Anderson, who is known for her incredible flexibility and grace, impressed the judges with her floor routine. Another young talent, 16-year-old Emily Lee, showcased her strength and precision on the uneven bars, earning her a spot in the top 10.
The US Classic was not just about individual performances; it was also a platform for the gymnastics community to come together and celebrate the sport. The event was a reminder of the resilience and determination of these athletes, who continue to push their limits and inspire others with their passion and dedication.
As the US Classic came to a close, one thing was clear – the future of American gymnastics is bright. With athletes like Biles, Hernandez, Rivera, and many others leading the way, the sport is in good hands. And while there may be ups and downs along the way, one thing is for sure – the gymnastics community will always stand together, supporting and motivating each other to reach new heights.
In the end, the US Classic was not just a competition; it was a celebration of the spirit of gymnastics and the bond that unites these athletes. And as we look forward to the next edition of the event, we can’t help but feel excited about what the future holds for American gymnastics.
