Charleigh Bullock is just 15 years old and already possesses an aura that strikes fear into her opponents. She’s the 2025 Junior Pan American Games all-around champion, showcasing her potential to become a world-beater. Leading Team USA to a gold and claiming three apparatus individual titles at the 2025 Asuncion (uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise) is incredible. Yet, the way her friends perceived her was something that she never would have imagined. Shades of Simone Biles, one could say.

During a conversation with Olympics.com, she revealed that her teammates, Addalye VanGrinsven and Kylie Smith, were intimidated by her. Bullock stated, “I didn’t realise that some people said they were intimidated by me before they got to know me. [Addalye VanGrinsven and Kylie Smith] were like, ‘Yeah, we were scared of you.’” Of course, that confession flabbergasted Bullock. Her reaction? “I was like, Me? Why were you scared of me?”

To give context, VanGrinsven hails from the Pacific Reign Gymnastics in Washington State, while Smith is from the Cincinnati Gymnastics in Ohio. Both of them played an integral role, alongside Bullock, in bringing the team gold to the USA. It’s worth noting how VanGrinsven secured the gold medal in vault at Asuncion. She also received a silver medal on the floor and a bronze medal in the vault.

On the other hand, Kylie Smith has amassed experience in international events like International Gymnix. And her performance at the Winter Cup? Commendable! So, why did VanGrinsven and Smith get intimidated by Bullock?

That’s simply because they saw Charleigh Bullock as an elite athlete. Well, she did qualify for the Xfinity 2024. This is her third year as an elite and has already brought five out of six gold medals at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games. But now, the three have turned their initial awkwardness into mutual admiration. They have become as close as sisters!

Maybe that’s another reason Bullock was so grateful for the chance to compete. After all, Bullock underwent knee surgery after winning the second spot at the US Classic in 2024. But now, she’s aiming for a bigger achievement. 

Charleigh Bullock rapidly climbs up the gymnastics ladder

After working through the rehabilitation and winning five golds at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, Charleigh Bullock has set her ambitions on the upcoming 2025 Junior World Championships. She stated, “We’re gonna work towards this next, or we’re going to work towards this next. I like to have goals a lot for myself, just so I can know what I need to work for. I’m really trying to work towards Junior Worlds this year.”

And as far as her winning stance is concerned, Bullock has confessed, “I’ve finally found passes that actually help me get a higher score.” This time, she focused on her release during the uneven bars event. Choreographed by Dominic Zito, it was the complete opposite of what Bullock used to do in the past. We can certainly imagine the kind of success that awaits her in Manila, Philippines, this November. 

Do you think the 15-year-old star can dominate at the 2025 Junior World Championships? Let us know in the comments below.