Fourteen-year-old Charlotte Matus of Rockford will represent the United States in Tumbling and Double Mini at the World Age Group Competitions in Nanjing, China, in November after securing Team USA positions in both disciplines and earning replacement-athlete status in Trampoline. The USA Gymnastics Youth Elite athlete capped a breakthrough season with national-level success, according to a community announcement. Matus won the Tumbling national title at the USA Gymnastics Championships and earned medals in all four events she entered. The accomplishment is notable because Matus currently competes in Tumbling, Double Mini and Trampoline, making her the only female Elite athlete competing across all three individual Trampoline & Tumbling disciplines, according to the announcement.
Selection for the World Age Group team was based on performances throughout the season rather than a single competition. USA Gymnastics used the Winter Classic in Springfield, Illinois, the Elite Challenge in Wichita, Kansas, and the USA Gymnastics Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as qualifying events. Athletes earned qualifying scores at each competition, with their two highest scores combined to determine final team standings. Matus held Team USA positions in Tumbling and Double Mini after the Winter Classic, maintained those standings through the Elite Challenge and secured both spots at the national championships in Tulsa. National championship season delivers Team USA berth Matus finished the USA Gymnastics Championships with four medals in four events:
Tumbling: Gold medal and national championship Double Mini: Bronze medal Individual Trampoline: Bronze medal Mixed Synchronized Trampoline: Bronze medal
The results placed Matus on the podium in each individual Trampoline & Tumbling discipline she entered. Her gold-medal performance in Tumbling earned her the title of national champion while helping secure her place on the international team. From injury setback to international competition The path to Nanjing followed a challenging period for Matus. In the weeks leading up to the USA Gymnastics Championships the previous season, Matus was managing a foot injury that limited training and required time in a walking boot. Despite the injury, she competed at nationals. According to the announcement, Matus responded to the setback by setting a new goal. “I’m making WAGs next year.” Within 12 months, Matus accomplished that objective and added a series of achievements:
Became national champion in Tumbling Won four medals at the USA Gymnastics Championships Earned a Team USA position in Tumbling Earned a Team USA position in Double Mini Was named Team USA replacement athlete in Trampoline Qualified to represent the United States in international competition
Nanjing awaits The World Age Group Competitions will bring together top Trampoline & Tumbling athletes from around the world in Nanjing. Matus is scheduled to compete for Team USA in Tumbling and Double Mini, marking the next step in a season that combined national success with international qualification. For the Rockford athlete, the opportunity fulfills a goal established after competing through injury and caps a year of consistent performance across three demanding gymnastics disciplines, according to the announcement. This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford's Charlotte Matus headed to 2026 worlds with Team USA