PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 28: Hezly Rivera from Team United States competes on the balance beam during … [+]
Getty ImagesThe 2025 U.S. elite gymnastics season has officially begun. On Saturday, many of the country’s top women’s gymnasts competed in Louisville at the Winter Cup, the first meet in USA Gymnastics’ competitive calendar.
18-year-old Ashlee Sullivan of Metroplex Gymnastics emerged victorious in Kentucky, claiming the win over Pacific Reign teammates Jayla Hang and Simone Rose. Earlier that day, Adam Lakomy claimed the men’s Winter Cup all-around title in the junior division.
After a late withdrawal from 2024 Olympic alternate Tiana Sumanasekera due to illness, many expected 2024 Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera to run away with the meet. However, Rivera and her coaches opted to ease into the season, electing to compete only on the balance beam.
Unfortunately, Rivera fell from the beam on a leap connection mid-way through her routine. Despite the fall, the 16-year-old looked to be in Olympic form. Her new routine included upgraded connections, potentially elevating her future scoring potential.
With Sumanasekera and Rivera out of contention for the title, the meet was up for grabs, and Sullivan stepped up to the plate. Hitting steady routines across the board, the Michigan Gymnastics commit nabbed top-three finishes on every event but vault. Her all-around score marks the highest all-around total in her senior elite career.
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT: MAY 18: Ashlee Sullivan reacts as she is introduced to the spectators during … [+]
Corbis via Getty ImagesUSA Gymnastics awarded multiple winners across the four events. Sullivan’s Metroplex teammate, Zoey Molomo, claimed the title on vault. The future UCLA Bruin showcased incredible dynamics in both vaults, including an excellent Yurchenko 1.5.
Bars gave many gymnasts trouble on Saturday, but not Alicia Zhou (Love Gymnastics). A former junior National Champion on the event, Zhou nailed her routine for a 13.650. Rated a five-star recruit by College Gym News, the Texas native is joining the Stanford Cardinal for the 2026-2027 season.
2024 U.S. Junior National Champion Claire Pease (WOGA) struggled on bars and floor, but the first-year senior claimed a share of the beam title with an elegant yet difficult routine. Tatum Drusch shared the title with Pease, nailing her triple series for a 13.850. With her 52.400 total in the all-around, Drusch also qualified for the U.S. National Championships later this year.
The floor title went to fan-favorite Nola Matthews (Airborne Gymnastics). The UCLA Gymnastics commit is world-renowned for her artistry, and Matthews danced and tumbled to another win with a strong 13.300.
Next up, the nation’s top elite gymnasts will look to deliver in select National Team and Developmental Training Camps throughout the spring. Perform well, and an athlete can receive assignments to compete in upcoming international competitions.
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