WILL GRAVES National Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

USA Gymnastics president Li Li Leung walks on stage after the senior men's finals of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Li Li Leung guided USA Gymnastics out of the darkness. The outgoing president is eager for a break

August 11, 2025

Outgoing USA Gymnastics president and CEO Li Li Leung is looking forward to a break. Since taking over in 2019 during the Larry Nassar scandal, Leung has worked tirelessly to restore trust and stability to the tainted organization. Leung focused on financial viability and rebuilding faith among members and survivors. Leung’s leadership has been praised for fostering change and healing. Membership has grown, and corporate sponsors have returned. As she steps down, Leung emphasizes the ongoing need for vigilance and accountability in the organization.

Hezly Rivera of WOGA reacts after competing on the uneven bars during the senior women's finals of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Olympian Hezly Rivera edges Leanne Wong for victory at the US gymnastics championships

August 10, 2025

Hezly Rivera has claimed victory at the U.S. gymnastics championships. The 17-year-old Olympic gold medalist pulled away on Sunday, looking ready to lead the women’s program toward the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Rivera, the youngest member of the team that won in Paris last year, posted a two-day total of 112.000, just ahead of runner-up Leanne Wong. Three weeks after a shaky performance at the U.S. Classic, Rivera’s polished routine has all but assured her a spot on the world championship team heading to Jakarta in October. Wong also secured spots in the selection camp.

Frederick Richard of the University of Michigan competes on the pommel horse during the senior men's finals of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Frederick Richard is taking his fight to make gymnastics ‘cool’ to a new front: His uniform

August 10, 2025

Frederick Richard is challenging men’s gymnastics norms with his wardrobe. The 21-year-old Olympic bronze medalist swapped traditional stirrup pants for shorts over compression leggings at the U.S. Championships. He accepts a three-tenths deduction each day for breaking uniform rules, believing it’s worth it to make the sport more appealing. Richard’s goal is to inspire young boys by making gymnastics more accessible. He debuted his new look at Winter Cup in February and refined it for nationals. While the clothing violates the rules, Richard is determined to push boundaries and hopes for more flexibility in uniform rules.

FILE - Arkansas gymnast Joscelyn Roberson competes on the floor against LSU during an NCAA gymnastics meet on Jan. 24, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, file)

USA Gymnastics is entering a new era both on and off the floor as the US championships begin

August 7, 2025

A new wave of gymnasts are ready to step into the spotlight at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships. The absence of superstars like Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee has opened the door for a large group of teenagers to take center stage as the organization begins to build toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. USA Gymnastics isn’t just changing on the floor, but off it, too. President and CEO Li Li Leung, who deftly guided the organization out of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal, is stepping down at the end of the year. Leung called the decision bittersweet with only three years to go until the opening ceremony in Los Angeles.

FILE - Stephen Nedoroscik, of the United States, celebrates after winning the bronze medal during the men's artistic gymnastics individual pommel finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)

A year after fame found him in Paris, Stephen Nedoroscik, aka ‘Pommel Horse Guy,’ is back for more

August 7, 2025

Stephen Nedoroscik, known as “Pommel Horse Guy,” remains dedicated to gymnastics despite his newfound fame. After winning bronze medals in Paris last summer, he embraced his celebrity status with appearances on “Dancing With the Stars” and its national tour. However, he never considered leaving gymnastics for Hollywood. Three months ago, he returned to training at EVO Gymnastics. As the U.S. Championships begin, Nedoroscik is focused on his sport, aiming for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Despite his social media following, he stays grounded, committed to being true to himself and his passion for gymnastics.

Tyrrell Hatton, of England, reacts after hitting his ball into the rough on the 17th hole during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Hatton, Ortiz and Hovland had a shot at the US Open. Then Oakmont happened

June 15, 2025

Famed Oakmont bared its teeth on the back nine at the U.S. Open. Tyrrell Hatton, Carlos Ortiz and Viktor Hovland were part of a large group of players who found themselves in the mix during the final round. All three had their issues with the brawny course. Hatton’s chances ended when his drive on the 17th hole got caught up in the rough above a bunker. A wayward drive on the 15th cost Ortiz. Hovland hovered all day but couldn’t make the putts necessary to keep up with winner J.J. Spaun.

Scottie Scheffler reacts to his putt on the first hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Scottie Scheffler has frustrating day at the US Open to fall 7 shots off the pace

June 12, 2025

Scottie Scheffler has some work to do to get into contention at the U.S. Open. The reigning PGA champion shot a 3-over 73 in the opening round at Oakmont. That left him in a tie for 49th, seven shots behind leader J.J. Spaun. Scheffler says he made some “sloppy” mistakes that cost him during a round that matched his worst-ever start in a major. The 28-year-old says he just needs to clean things up to put himself in position for the weekend.

Matt Vogt walks past the clubhouse to the first tee for a practice round for the 2025 US Open golf championship at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Matt Vogt once chose dentistry over golf. Back home at the US Open, he’s learned he didn’t have to

June 9, 2025

Matt Vogt is trading a drill for a driver at the U.S. Open. The 34-year-old Vogt, who runs a dental practice near Indianapolis, qualified as an amateur for the 156-man field. Vogt grew up north of Pittsburgh and caddied for a few years at Oakmont, which is hosting the national championship for the 10th time. Vogt played briefly in college before focusing on dentistry. He returned to the game in 2018 and qualified for this year’s Open two months after losing his father to colon cancer. Vogt says he’s going to try to enjoy the moment and plans to be back in his office next week.

WILL GRAVES National Writer.