USA Gymnastics Championship comes to Tulsa this week
Two Olympians and several U.S. and world champions are competing in the 2026 USA Gymnastics Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from June 26 through June 27. The event, held at the BOK Center and Arvest Convention Center, serves as the final selection meet for the national team and the world championships team, according to competitor Kayden Brown.
What disciplines are featured at the USA Gymnastics Championship?
The competition integrates three distinct disciplines: rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, and trampoline and tumbling. According to Brown, rhythmic gymnastics involves ball and hoop disciplines, while acrobatic gymnastics resembles performances seen in Cirque du Soleil.
Brown noted a key distinction regarding Olympic status among these events. While trampoline is an Olympic sport, tumbling is not. He described the trampoline discipline as elegant and slow, contrasting it with the fast-paced nature of tumbling.
Who is Kayden Brown and what is his record?
Kayden Brown enters the Tulsa competition as a six-time defending U.S. tumbling champion. He is a 10-time world championship medalist who previously practiced taekwondo and baseball before moving into gymnastics.
Brown told News on 6 that he initially resisted joining a gym, believing it was a “girl’s sport.” He eventually joined and has since made the national championships a recurring milestone in his career.
Why is this competition significant for U.S. gymnasts?
This event is the largest domestic meet of the year for these specific disciplines. According to Brown, the stakes are high because the results determine who will be named to the national team and the world championships team.
Athletes have spent the entire season preparing for this specific window. Brown described the preparation as involving “hours and hours and hours of training” to meet the demands of the final selection process.
What may happen next for the competitors?
Following the conclusion of the event on June 27, officials may announce the final rosters for the national team. Top performers could be selected to represent the U.S. at the world championships.
Athletes who secure their spots are likely to begin specific training cycles for international competition. Those who do not make the cut may have to wait for future selection cycles to rejoin the national squad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 2026 USA Gymnastics Championship taking place?
The event is being held at the BOK Center and Arvest Convention Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Which gymnastics disciplines are included in this event?
The competition includes rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, and trampoline and tumbling.
What is the primary purpose of this meet?
It serves as the biggest domestic meet of the year and the final selection meet for the national team and the world championships team.
Which of these gymnastics disciplines—rhythmic, acrobatic, or trampoline and tumbling—do you find most impressive?