Just days before the U.S. women’s gymnastics World Championships selection camp, a wave of unexpected developments has shifted the spotlight from routines to revelations. Two top contenders, Hezly Rivera and Claire Pease, both considered central to America’s medal hopes, have suddenly stepped back. Their announcements, shared directly with fans, left the community stunned and speculating. And that made the gymnastics world put the blame on one entity – Nastia Liukin. 

The Gymternet shared screenshots of the announcements that Rivera and Pease made. And in the caption, the X post wondered, “What’s going on with the ground in Texas? Rolled ankles taking two of the top U.S worlds contenders out just days before trials was not on my bingo card.” In the comments section, people began asking if the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy and Nastia Liukin had a role to play in those withdrawals. Well, it’s pretty natural, given that Rivera and Pease trained at WOGA and exited the World Championships selection camp at the same time with eerily similar statements.

Some fans even interpreted it as more than a coincidence and shifted the scrutiny onto Liukin’s camp. According to reports, gymnasts have described a highly demanding, controlling environment at WOGA. Back in 2022, the US Center for SafeSport even launched an investigation centered around allegations of abuse against the WOGA founder, Valeri Liukin. No wonder the training ground has entered public scrutiny once again. But what exactly did Pease and Rivera announce? 

Claire Pease took to her Instagram Story and claimed that she rolled her ankle, because of which she wouldn’t be able to attend the Worlds Selection Camp. Of course, she dissed the timing, being the absolute worst. But along with her family and coaches, she decided that it was “best to heal and come back next season.” And Pease continued to wish good luck to those who would go on to participate. 

But then the previous day, a similar story unfolded when Hezly Rivera, through her Instagram Story, announced, “I wanted to share personally that I recently rolled my ankle. After talking it through with my doctor and coaches, I’ve decided the best thing right now is to sit out of the Worlds Selection Camp.” Needless to say, she was seemingly bummed about the bad timing of her injury as well. And her focus? It was in recovery and coming back stronger in the next season. Uncanny, right? But what about replacements for the duo at the Worlds Selection Camp?

Nastia Liukin’s WOGA has no replacements for Claire Pease and Hezly Rivera

Needless to say, the withdrawal of Rivera and Pease has caused quite a bit of damage to the American Team. Both Rivera and Pease had the potential to bring a gold medal home at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Rivera has already won the senior all-around title at the 2025 US National Championships. Meanwhile, Pease claimed the same title at the 2025 US Classic. But is there anyone who can match their prevalence? 

Well, not really! Inside Gymnastics Magazine recently confirmed, “USA Gymnastics confirmed to Inside Gymnastics magazine that there will be no replacement athletes for the duo at this week’s Worlds Selection Camp, leaving eight gymnasts in the mix for the team. Wishing both a speedy recovery!” This means that instead of ten athletes, only eight will compete for the spot on the US team and compete at the World Championships. 

The roster currently has Skye Blakely, Dulcy Caylor, Jayla Hang, Gabrielle Hardle, Joscelyn Roberson, Ashlee Sullivan, Leanne Wong, and Simone Rose. The one who scores the highest all-around on the first day will automatically become a member of the team. And for the rest three, the Athlete Selection Committee will decide, and will name two additional names as alternatives.

But as we bid farewell to all hopes of seeing Rivera and Pease at the Worlds, do let us know if you think their withdrawal is linked to Liukin and WOGA supposedly overstraining their athletes before an event.