USA Gymnastics

USA Gymnastics, also known as USAG, is the organization that oversees gymnastics in the United States. It was created in 1963 to help train and choose teams for big events like the Olympic Games and World Championships. USA Gymnastics makes the rules for the sport and works to support gymnasts, coaches, and clubs across the country.

The organization faced a very serious problem over many years, where some coaches and staff hurt young gymnasts. This sad situation became well-known in 2016, and it led to big changes in how USA Gymnastics operates. The group had to reorganize, and it worked to make sure gymnasts are safer and better supported in the future. Through these efforts, USA Gymnastics continues to play an important role in the world of gymnastics.

History

The organization was established in 1963 as the U.S. Gymnastics Federation. The need for a governing body started to appear at the 1959 Pan American Games, when there were problems between the Games' organizers, the Amateur Athletic Union, and the Olympic Gymnastics Committee. The NCAA was also unhappy, so they asked the National Association of Gymnastics Coaches to help plan a new national governing body. The U.S. Gymnastics Federation was created in 1963, but it wasn’t recognized internationally until 1970 because of resistance from the AAU and other issues. In 1993, the organization was renamed USA Gymnastics.

Unfortunately, USA Gymnastics faced serious problems over the years. Leaders sometimes ignored warnings about coaches who were not treating athletes well. Even when they believed the athletes, they sometimes let the coaches continue working for years. In 2015, they dismissed their longtime Olympic team doctor Larry Nassar, but he kept working elsewhere. Reports in 2016 revealed the full extent of these issues, leading to many changes. USA Gymnastics made reforms, settled lawsuits, and worked to improve safety for all athletes. In 2019, Li Li Leung became the new president and CEO, promising to help create a safer future for gymnastics. She resigned in late 2025 and was succeeded by Kyle Albrecht.

Programs

USA Gymnastics oversees many gymnastics programs for athletes of all ages. These include Women's artistic gymnastics, Men's artistic gymnastics, Rhythmic gymnastics, Trampoline & tumbling, Acrobatic gymnastics, Parkour, and Gymnastics for All.

The Elite Program is for athletes who hope to represent the United States in big international events. Young gymnasts work hard to earn a spot on the national team. They compete in important meets like the American Cup, U.S. Classic, and U.S. Championships. The best performers get to compete in the World Championships and, in Olympic years, the Summer Olympics.

Other programs, like the Talent Opportunity Program and the Olympics Hopefuls program, help younger gymnasts develop their skills and aim for the elite level. The Women's Development Program guides gymnasts through different skill levels, making sure they progress safely and at their own pace. The Xcel Program offers competitions for gymnasts who want to enjoy the sport in different divisions based on their age and ability.

National teams

The United States women's national gymnastics team United States women's national gymnastics team and the United States men's national gymnastics team United States men's national gymnastics team represent the country in major competitions such as the Olympic Games and World Championships. These teams are chosen and trained by USA Gymnastics, which works to support athletes at all levels of the sport.