Claire Pease, Charleigh Bullock first gymnasts on U.S. world team
Rookies Claire Pease and Charleigh Bullock have secured the first two spots on the U.S. women's gymnastics team for the upcoming world championships. The team will be finalized following a second day of selection competition.
Why it matters
This selection process is a key milestone for the U.S. team as they prepare to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics.
Hear this story With two Olympic champions in the field, the first two women to qualify for the U.S. world championships team are rookies.
Claire Pease locked up her spot on the five-woman worlds team by winning the all-around at a selection camp on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Charleigh Bullock also got an automatic spot, taking advantage of Hezly Rivera 's two falls on uneven bars to leapfrog the Paris Olympian and finish second in combined standings from camp and last month's national championships.
When she was announced as the second automatic qualifier, Bullock's mouth dropped open. This will be the first worlds for Bullock, who just turned 16 in July.
The remaining three team members, as well as a traveling alternate, will be named following a second day of competition on Thursday, Oct. 1. But it's a good bet Rivera, Skye Blakely and Reese Esponda will round out the team.
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