Frederick Richard, the 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, is in the spotlight this week at the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix. The competition, held Thursday through Sunday on NBC Sports and Peacock, determines who will represent the U.S. at the World Championships in Rotterdam in October.
The men's competition takes place on Thursday and Saturday. Richard and fellow medalist Stephen Nedoroscik are the favorites. The top gymnast in the all-around is guaranteed a spot on the team if they also finish in the top three on three of the six apparatus.
Rivera chasing history
On the women's side, 2024 Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera is the hometown favorite. Competing in her birthplace, Rivera could become the second woman in 13 years to win consecutive all-around titles, following in the footsteps of Simone Biles, who took nine titles in that span.
Competition and qualifiers
Other women to watch are Skye Blakely, the 2024 Nationals runner-up, and Leanne Wong, the 2025 World all-around silver medalist. Unlike the men, no woman will secure a spot at the World Championships during the nationals. Final selections will come after a late-summer event in Tennessee.
Jade Carey, returning to elite competition after the Paris Olympics, adds depth to the field. The women's event runs Friday and Sunday, with coverage on Peacock and NBCSN.
Schedule and field
Men's sessions are on Thursday and Saturday, starting at 10 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET, respectively. Women's events begin at 10 p.m. on Friday and close with a 6 p.m. final on Sunday. Broadcasts are available on Peacock and NBCSN.
The men's field includes 45 athletes, from Frederick Richard to Stephen Nedoroscik. The women's side is led by Rivera and includes Blakely, Carey, and Wong, with a total of 29 gymnasts.