US women gymnastics team targets Olympic qualification at world championships
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 16, 2026, 2:24 PM
Last updated Oct 16, 2026

The U.S. women's gymnastics team prepares for the world championships in Rotterdam from October 17-25 with the goal of qualifying for the 2028 Summer Olympics. The team, which includes Paris gold medalist Hezly Rivera and two-time world champion Skye Blakely, must secure a top three finish in the team competition to earn their Olympic spots. Rivera returns to the international stage after previous injuries kept her from competing at last year's worlds, while the team also features young competitors Charleigh Bullock, Reese Esponda, and Claire Pease, all making their marks on a major international level. The Americans face tough competition, especially with Russia participating.
- •World championships run from October 17-25 in Rotterdam.
- •Top three teams qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
- •Hezly Rivera returns after missing competitions due to injury.
- •Skye Blakely is the only team member with prior world championship experience.
- •Charleigh Bullock, Reese Esponda, and Claire Pease compete at their first major international event.
- 2:24 PMYahoo Sports — US women have an Olympic spot within reach. But there's little room for error
"From Hezly Rivera’s ankle to Skye Blakely’s beam, Nancy Armour identifies the biggest questions facing the U.S. women's gymnastics team at worlds.
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