At just 17, Dulcy Caylor has emerged as the undeniable breakout star for Team USA at the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, leading the American contingent and qualifying for multiple individual event finals, signaling a thrilling preview of the talent shaping the road to the LA28 Olympics.
The 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, are proving to be a pivotal moment for US women’s gymnastics, particularly with the spectacular emergence of 17-year-old phenom Dulcy Caylor. While seasoned gymnasts like Leanne Wong, Joscelyn Roberson, and Skye Blakely bring veteran experience, it is Caylor, the relative newcomer, who has seized the spotlight, captivating fans and experts alike with her poise and exceptional performance on the global stage.
Her standout showing at her World Championships debut has not only made her the “bright spot” for Team USA but has also ignited conversations about the future of American gymnastics as it looks towards the LA28 Olympic Games. With several high-profile athletes from the Paris 2024 Olympics taking a break or sidelined by injury, Jakarta offered a unique opportunity for fresh talent to shine, and Caylor has undoubtedly answered the call.
Dulcy Caylor’s Remarkable Ascent: From North Carolina to World Stage
Born and raised in North Carolina, Dulcy Caylor’s journey to the World Championships has been swift and impressive. Her commitment to gymnastics led her to make significant life changes, including switching to online schooling to dedicate more time to training. Her parents, who often managed the family store, moved to Texas to allow her to train at the renowned World Champions Centre, a testament to her family’s belief in her potential.
Caylor’s rapid rise began in earnest in 2025. After finishing 20th in her first senior US Championships in 2023, a result she described as a “wake-up call,” she showcased remarkable improvement. In 2025, she was a crucial member of the gold medal team at the Pan American Championships. This was followed by an 8th-place finish at the US Nationals and a stunning all-around win at the US World Selection Event, which automatically secured her spot on the Jakarta squad, as reported by USA Gymnastics. Fans have been tracking her progress keenly, recognizing her dedication and the strategic training choices that have fueled her success.
Ahead of Jakarta, Caylor shared her focused approach, stating her desire to “work on cleaning up and getting rid of as many little deductions as possible” and “build on the confidence I gained at camp and work on keeping my consistency up.” Her words reflect a maturity beyond her 17 years, signaling a deep understanding of the precision required at elite levels.
Qualifying Rounds: A Glimpse of Future Dominance
The qualification rounds at the World Championships proved to be a challenging yet ultimately triumphant experience for Dulcy Caylor. She delivered the highest all-around score for the United States and was the only American woman to qualify for more than one individual event final, securing spots in both the balance beam and floor exercise finals. She also demonstrated strong potential on other apparatus, posting the second-highest vault score among all-around qualifiers.
Her performance was particularly notable for her composure under pressure. Even after an early error on the uneven bars, Caylor regrouped impressively, finishing her routine strong and maintaining her focus for the subsequent events. This mental fortitude is a quality often seen in champions and is highly valued within the fan community, who admire her resilience.
While Caylor soared, some of her veteran teammates faced unexpected challenges. Leanne Wong, a two-time Olympic alternate and 2021 World all-around silver medallist, balked on her first vault, keeping her out of that final, and struggled on floor. Skye Blakely, who is making a measured comeback after tearing her Achilles tendon at the US Olympic Trials in 2024, received a time deduction on the balance beam, narrowly missing the final. Joscelyn Roberson, a 2024 Olympic alternate, also struggled on floor but made the vault final.
Reflecting on the team’s overall qualifying performance, Chellsie Memmel, the technical lead for the US women, acknowledged the mixed results. “There were some very good pieces, but then there was rough,” Memmel shared with Olympics.com. “I didn’t feel like there was an attack of their events and their skills overall. There were still good things, but I have work to do.” Caylor’s performance, however, offered a significant silver lining.
Beyond Jakarta: The Road to LA28
The World Championships in the year following a Summer Olympics traditionally offer the first glimpse of rising stars who could contend for the next Games. With icons like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles not competing in Jakarta, the stage was set for a new generation. Dulcy Caylor’s performance strongly positions her as a formidable contender for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Her commitment to the University of Florida, announced in October 2024, suggests a well-planned trajectory combining elite competition with collegiate gymnastics, a path that has proven successful for many American gymnasts. As she continues to refine her skills under the expert guidance of Daymon Jones and Patrick Kiens at the World Champions Centre, fans will eagerly watch her progression, anticipating her continued impact on the international stage.
Caylor’s ability to perform consistently at a high level, especially after a setback like her bars error, speaks volumes about her mental toughness and potential. Her journey from a relatively unknown junior to a dominant force at a senior World Championships is a narrative that resonates deeply within the gymnastics community, fueling excitement for what she will achieve in the coming years as she aims for Olympic glory.
