Future UCLA Gymnasts Shine at U.S. Classic, Eyeing LA 2028
The next generation of elite gymnasts is already making its mark, with several incoming UCLA Bruins showcasing their talent at the U.S. Classic in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, on Saturday. The competition served as a crucial stepping stone toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and a proving ground for athletes vying for a spot at the U.S. Nationals.
A New Wave of Talent
While Olympians continue their recovery from a demanding season, the focus is shifting to the future. Incoming UCLA freshmen Jordis Eichman, Ashlee Sullivan, and Nola Matthews were among those competing in the senior division, demonstrating the depth of talent poised to impact the collegiate gymnastics landscape. The U.S. Classic offered a nationally televised platform for these young athletes to gain recognition and build momentum.
Competition Results and Standout Performances
The gymnasts were divided into two sessions, with Eichman competing in the first and Sullivan and Matthews in the second. All three finished within the top fifteen overall. Ashlee Sullivan delivered a particularly strong performance, securing sixth place with a total score of 52.200. Jordis Eichman followed closely behind in tenth place with a score of 51.900, while Nola Matthews tied for twelfth, achieving a score of 51.500.
Sullivan’s performance on the balance beam was a highlight of the competition, earning her the senior beam title with a score of 13.550. “Beam’s a very mental event,” Sullivan explained in an interview with Inside Gymnastics. “You eat the beam or the beam eats you. So, going after each skill – no matter if it’s a fall or not – knowing I went for it completely, it’ll normally go the way you want.” Matthews, however, experienced a setback on beam, falling during a side straddle jump despite an otherwise clean routine, resulting in a score of 12.550.
The athletes’ fortunes shifted on the uneven bars. Sullivan encountered a slight misstep, with her hand slipping during a connection, leading to a fall and a score of 12.350. Matthews capitalized on the opportunity, posting her highest score of the night with a 13.300. Eichman also excelled on bars, achieving the highest score of the first session with 13.400 and tying for sixth overall.
On vault, Sullivan again shone, earning a 13.800 for her Yurchenko 1.5, with an execution score of 9.200. Eichman scored a 13.300 with a small hop on the landing, while Matthews received a 13.100 after a larger forward jump.
Fatigue and the Road Ahead
All three gymnasts showed signs of fatigue during their floor routines, which impacted their technique. Both Sullivan and Matthews fell on their final passes, scoring 12.500 and 12.550, respectively. Eichman managed to avoid major errors, earning a 12.700.
Incoming freshman Tiana Sumanasekera was unfortunately unable to compete, withdrawing on Tuesday to continue her recovery from an ankle injury sustained at the Pan American Championships in June. “As much as this breaks my heart, as I absolutely love competing and have been looking forward to Classics, I wanted to make the smartest and safest decision,” Sumanasekera stated in an online statement. Her prior qualification as a 2024 Olympic alternate ensures her season remains unaffected.
Qualification and UCLA’s Future
To qualify for the U.S. Championships, gymnasts without Olympic status require a score of at least 52.000 at a major meet. Matthews and Sullivan had already secured their spots at the Winter Cup, but Eichman narrowly missed the cutoff on Saturday, falling just one-tenth of a point short.
UCLA head coach Janelle McDonald and assistant coach Mark Freeman were in attendance, supporting the future Bruins. McDonald emphasized the value of the incoming class’s elite experience, stating, “The fact that they have so much high-level experience out on the competition floor and even around the world is something that’s going to really help them transition well to the NCAA and really make the impact that we need them to make to be successful.” This experience will be particularly crucial following the graduation of established UCLA gymnasts, including Brooklyn Moors, Emma Malabuyo, and Emily Lee.
Sumanasekera, Matthews, and Sullivan will continue their competitive journeys at the 2025 Xfinity U.S. Championships, scheduled to take place from August 7 to August 10 in New Orleans. .
Image of Nola Matthews hitting an arabesque during her beam routine
Image of Jordis Eichman smiling and striking a pose during her floor routine
