Elite season is ramping up again starting with Winter Cup. While attendance won’t match the levels of the U.S. Classic or Championships, there’s still plenty at stake for most of the competitors. National team spots, international assignments, and qualification to U.S. Nationals—requiring a score of 52.00 or better—later this summer, are all on the line.
Who Are the Veterans?
Headlining the field is 2024 Olympic gold medalist, Hezly Rivera, who will only compete beam. Rivera will use this meet as an opportunity to ease back into competition form and test a slightly altered routine construction under the new Code of Points.
Dulcy Caylor and Simone Rose closed out an eventful 2024 season that culminated with an invitation to compete at the Olympic Trials, where they reached the 52.00 qualification requirement. Both gymnasts showed impressive growth during the 2024 season, and if they can continue that trajectory, they could put themselves into the mix for a spot on the 2025 Worlds team.
Jayla Hang is a gymnast to watch for a strong performance here. Hang ended 2024 on a sour note, missing an invitation to the Olympic Trials and leaving her without the chance to compete in the latter half of 2024. Still seeking to achieve the 52.00 mark for 2025, Hang will need to hit that score to earn a ticket to the U.S. Championships.
Fan favorite Nola Matthews is also still chasing a U.S. Championships qualifying score. Be sure to watch her new floor routine, where her ability to captivate the audience with its haunting elegance is a testament to her high standards for exceptional artistry.
What About the New Seniors?
Among the new seniors, Claire Pease is one of the most highly anticipated. The 2024 Junior National Champion is a classic WOGA bars and beam gymnast, but also boasts a Yurchenko double-full on vault.
Camie Westerman was one of the standout juniors from 2024 culminating in a third-place finish at U.S. Junior Nationals, team gold at the Pan American Championships, and the vault title at the Combs La Ville International Junior Tournament. While she still doesn’t yet have the difficulty to challenge for the top spot, her amplitude on leg events suggests she could be ready to show some upgrades for her senior debut.
Other new seniors to look out for are Harlow Buddendeck, the junior national champion on floor who can express the pain of a nation through her choreography; Maliha Tressel, a balance beam daredevil; and Alessia Rosa, a powerful Hills tumbler.
