Hong wins U.S. all-around by record margin

Asher Hong wins the U.S. men’s all-around title by a record margin under the Code of Points, signaling a strong push toward the world championships.

Asher Hong wins U.S. all-around by record margin leads world team

Asher Hong won the U.S. men’s all-around title by a record margin under the Code of Points that has guided the sport since 2006. The 21-year-old Stanford junior totaled 170.02 points over two days in New Orleans, finishing 7.465 points ahead of Frederick Richard. Hong’s victory is the largest margin in the event under the current scoring system, surpassing Sam Mikulak’s 2019 record. He also claimed national titles on floor, still rings and vault, building a strong case as a rising force in American gymnastics.

Looking ahead, Hong will bid for his first individual world medal at the World Championships in Jakarta this October. The Worlds format this year excludes a team event, focusing on the all-around and apparatus finals. The national roster for Worlds will be filled in the coming days, with Richard and Brody Malone among the top challengers for the six spots. Stephen Nedoroscik’s pommel horse stumble on Day 2 knocked him out of automatic World Championship qualification, and he will not be on the world team after finishing fifth on the event. Paul Juda confirmed his retirement, ending a championship era. Nationals wrap up with the women’s competition on Sunday.

Hong’s win underlines a transition phase in a sport that blends depth with a new generation of stars. The margin emphasizes how a single performance can redefine momentum, especially as nations align their teams for Jakarta. Yet it also raises questions about consistency across events and the tempo of a sport that changes as rules evolve.

The focus now shifts to how the world team will be assembled and defended. Injuries and timing will shape the six-man roster, and public discussion may rise around who carries the United States onto the global stage. Juda’s retirement marks a closing chapter and invites reflection on career longevity in a sport that asks so much from the body and mind.

Highlights

The journey to Jakarta begins now for a team in transition.