All Around second place finisher Claire Pease, left, All Around Champion Hezly Rivera, center, and All Around third place finisher Charleigh Bullock, right, stand on the podium at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Hezly Rivera competes in the women’s balance beam during the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Jade Carey smiles after competing in the women’s uneven bars during the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX (AP) — For those who have competed — or nearly competed — under the Olympic rings, the fear of missing out the next time the Games beckon is real. Regardless of the venue. Regardless of the sport.
Athletes who try to run it back following a lengthy sabbatical (and in some cases, a lengthy retirement) is hardly new. The list is filled with household names, from Mark Spitz to Michael Phelps. From Lindsey Vonn to Simone Biles. And on and on and on.
