Katelyn Ohashi, the viral gymnastics sensation known for her 2019 perfect 10 floor routine, competed at the 2026 US Classic on July 18. The 28-year-old former UCLA star finished with an all-around score of 50.800, placing 12th in a field that included rising elite Reese Esponda.
Ohashi’s return marks her first elite competition since 2013. The roster from Balance Beam Situation listed her in floor exercise group alongside Esponda, 17, who scored 53.400 to qualify for nationals. “I’m taking it one turn at a time,” Ohashi told Seattle Times. Paris 2028 remains speculative.
Her floor routine—a modified version of her viral set—earned 13.650. Judges deducted 0.3 for landing hops on her double layout. Vault produced 13.200, uneven bars 12.100, balance beam 11.850. Esponda, by comparison, hit 14.200 on floor and 14.050 on vault.
The 2026 US Classic live blog noted: “Ohashi’s amplitude on floor is reminiscent of her NCAA days.” But elite scoring requirements differ. Her D-score of 5.4 on floor lagged behind Esponda’s 6.1. Age is a factor—Ohashi will be 30 in 2028. Oksana Chusovitina competed at 46. It is possible.
| Athlete | Age | AA Score | Floor D-Score | Floor E-Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katelyn Ohashi | 28 | 50.800 | 5.4 | 8.250 |
| Reese Esponda | 17 | 53.400 | 6.1 | 8.100 |
Ohashi’s comeback narrative intersects with Esponda’s ascent. Both defy expectations—Ohashi as a returnee from NCAA retirement, Esponda as a first-year senior elite. The field depth at US Classic required a 52.500 AA for automatic national qualification. Ohashi fell short by 1.700 points.
Her training adjustments emphasize mental health. “I’m not chasing a score,” she said. “I’m chasing joy.” This contrasts with the intense elite pipeline. Reese Esponda, training at WOGA, represents the next generation. Her coach told Olympic Channel she targets the 2028 Olympic team.
Ohashi’s viral fame—her 2019 routine has 185 million YouTube views—gives her platform beyond competition. She partners with Nike and speaks on athlete wellness. Her return is not unprecedented. Chellsie Memmel returned at 32 after three years away. MyKayla Skinner competed at 24 in Tokyo.
The Seattle Times interview framed her comeback as a “long game.” Evidence suggests Paris 2028 is not a primary target. Ohashi said: “I’m taking it one turn at a time.” She has not committed to any elite season beyond 2026. The 2028 timeline would require maintaining elite fitness for 24 more months.
Reese Esponda’s presence raises the competitive bar. The 2026 field includes Skye Blakely, Jade Carey, Leanne Wong. Esponda finished 4th in vault, 6th in floor. She is projected for the 2027 World Championships team. Ohashi’s experience could mentor younger athletes, but rivalry is minimal given the score gap.
Ohashi’s impact extends beyond scores. She redefines success in a sport marred by abuse scandals. Her return normalizes multi-decade careers. Fans at the US Classic gave her a standing ovation. The live blog noted: “The crowd is here for Ohashi.”
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What was Katelyn Ohashi’s score at the 2026 US Classic?
- A: Ohashi finished with an all-around score of 50.800, placing 12th.
- Q: Who is Reese Esponda and how did she perform?
- A: Reese Esponda is a 17-year-old first-year senior elite who scored 53.400, qualifying for nationals with a floor D-score of 6.1.
- Q: Is Katelyn Ohashi targeting the 2028 Paris Olympics?
- A: Paris 2028 remains speculative, though Ohashi’s return and age (30 in 2028) make it possible, as exemplified by Oksana Chusovitina competing at 46.
- Q: What were the key deductions in Ohashi’s floor routine?
- A: Judges deducted 0.3 for landing hops on her double layout; her floor routine earned 13.650 with a D-score of 5.4.
Extended Reading
Source: Balance Beam Situation 2026 US Classic Live Blog; Seattle Times interview July 2026.