The U.S. women’s gymnastics team won only two medals at the World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking their lowest total since 2001. The only medals earned were an all-around silver for Leanne Wong and a bronze on vault for Joscelyn Roberson. This underwhelming performance has drawn attention to the team’s struggles and the potential implications for their dominance in international competitions.
China finished ahead of the U.S. with three women’s medals, while neutral athletes representing Russia also secured three. The U.S. team’s performance has raised questions about their ability to maintain the level of success they’ve historically achieved. Chellsie Memmel, the U.S. program lead, addressed the team’s underperformance, acknowledging that the results were disappointing. ‘It was rough,’ Memmel said, ‘there were some very good pieces, but then there was rough. I didn’t feel like there was an attack of their events and their skills overall.’
The absence of key athletes like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles has been a significant factor in the team’s performance. This year marks only the third time since 2006 that the U.S. hasn’t finished with the most women’s medals. The performance has implications for the team’s future success, particularly as they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Memmel emphasized the need for confidence and a strong mindset moving forward. ‘For me, it means going into each turn with the intent that it’s going to be great, and being confident with it,’ she explained.
The team’s results have sparked discussions about the challenges facing American gymnastics. With the absence of their top stars, the U.S. has faced an uphill battle to maintain its dominance. The underperformance has also raised questions about the team’s ability to recover and compete at the highest level in the upcoming events. As the team moves into the next phase of their training and preparation, the focus remains on rebuilding and regaining the form that has historically defined their success in international gymnastics.