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Utah Gymnastics Ends 49-Year Nationals Streak, Finishes Fourth

4/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Utah Gymnastics ended its 49-year NCAA Nationals appearance streak by finishing fourth at the Corvallis Regional Final on April 5, 2026, scoring 197.500.
UCLA and Minnesota advanced to the championships with scores of 197.725 and 197.625, respectively.
Three Utah gymnasts qualified for individual events at the National Championships: Avery Neff (all-around), Ana Padurariu (balance beam), and Ella Zirbes (floor).
Alabama Gymnastics finished last at the regional, marking its first absence from nationals since 2023.
The NCAA National Championships will occur in Fort Worth, Texas, starting April 16, 2026.

History

Historical Context

In 1982, the NCAA Gymnastics Championships began, featuring 32 teams, including Alabama, which in 2023 faced its first absence from the tournament. Utah Gymnastics, a powerhouse for decades, ended its 49-year streak of NCAA Nationals appearances in 2026, reflecting the growing competitiveness in collegiate gymnastics, as teams like UCLA and Minnesota achieved scores above 197.

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Story summary

Utah Gymnastics ended its 49-year NCAA Nationals appearance streak by finishing fourth at the Corvallis Regional Final on April 5, 2026, scoring 197.500.
UCLA and Minnesota advanced to the championships with scores of 197.725 and 197.625, respectively.
Three Utah gymnasts qualified for individual events at the National Championships: Avery Neff (all-around), Ana Padurariu (balance beam), and Ella Zirbes (floor).
Alabama Gymnastics finished last at the regional, marking its first absence from nationals since 2023.
The NCAA National Championships will occur in Fort Worth, Texas, starting April 16, 2026.

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