FORT WORTH, TX – APRIL 20: Katelyn Ohashi #711 of the UCLA Bruins performs a floor routine during the Division I Women’s Gymnastics Championship held at the Fort Worth Convention Center Arena on April 20, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
NCAA Photos via Getty Images
In 2013, Katelyn Ohashi was the next great Olympic hope for American gymnastics. Five years later, she captivated millions worldwide, achieving perfection and viral fame on the intercollegiate stage for UCLA Gymnastics. Now, gymnastics is pulling her back in.
Katelyn Ohashi announced her return to competitive gymnastics on Tuesday, shocking the gymnastics community. “After a few years of contemplating whether I wanted to continue chasing a dream I had as a little kid, I have decided to go for it,” Ohashi wrote on Instagram.
The news sets up Ohashi’s first competitive routine in more than seven years, and first elite routine in over 13. “I’m taking it one day at a time; one skill, one event, one dream. I don’t have any regrets in my career, and I want to be able to continue saying that,” she added.
“Here goes nothing,” she signed off.
Katelyn Ohashi’s Legacy
Ohashi’s legacy is already storied. Revered for her bravery and authenticity, the gymnast repeatedly spoke out against the toxic coaching environments that hampered her young gymnastics career.
“I still loved the sport, but the joy was diminished. I believed the medals were worth so much more than I was,” she wrote for ESPN in 2019. After joining the UCLA gymnastics team in 2016, Ohashi rekindled her joy.
She also became a national phenomenon, driving viral viewership of her perfect-ten floor routines and helping UCLA to its first NCAA title in eight years.
Her gymnastics legacy is profound, but also features a cosmic twist.
At the 2013 American Cup, Ohashi and Simone Biles took their first steps together as senior elites under the bright lights. Ohashi defeated the then-17-year-old Biles, forecasting years of Ohashi and Biles battles on the gymnastics stage.
However, the American Cup would mark the first – and last – matchup of their young careers. Although their paths quickly diverged, their cosmic connection remained inextricably attached.
While Ohashi paved her own joyful path on the NCAA stage, Biles made history on international podiums. Winning three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics at age 27, Biles has redefined the ageist standards in women’s gymnastics.
Should Ohashi return to the mat in 2026, she would be 29. In previous eras, her comeback would be unthinkable. Not in 2026. The sport, its culture, and its limitations have irreparably changed.
Though her announcement sent tidal shockwaves across the infamous ‘Gymternet,’ certain interested parties appeared prepared for the news.
Three-time Olympic medalist Jade Carey exclaimed that she had “been waiting” for the announcement, and declared, “let’s have some fun!” Carey announced her own comeback this spring, and plans to resume elite competition this month.
“See you SO SOON,” USA Gymnastics commented, prompting speculation around her impending return. Ohashi is training at Pacific Reign Gymnastics in Woodinville, WA, home of multiple U.S. national team members.
Ohashi’s Return to Competition
The U.S. elite gymnastics calendar will heat up considerably in the coming weeks, beginning with the American Classic this weekend in Minneapolis, Minn. As of Tuesday night, the final roster has not been confirmed.
This week’s competition and July’s U.S. Classic represent Ohashi’s two remaining chances to qualify for August’s U.S. National Championships. Held in Phoenix, the event will determine which athletes advance to the World team selection event.
From there, a cohort of six athletes will travel to represent Team USA at the 2026 World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Despite her immeasurable talent, Ohashi has never competed at a world or continental championship as a senior elite gymnast. Could that change in 2026? Maybe so.
For now, the gymnastics community celebrates – and turns its gaze to the American Classic’s final roster, scanning the Os.
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