GOODNEWS: Golden Moment: Kailin Chio Crowned 2025 Vault National Champion

In a dazzling display of power, grace, and composure under pressure, Kailin Chio etched her name into gymnastics history on Saturday by capturing the 2025 Vault National Championship. Her victory not only capped off a season of perseverance and brilliance but also signaled the rise of a new superstar in American gymnastics.

Before an electrified crowd at the packed XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, Chio delivered two nearly flawless vaults that left little doubt among judges and spectators alike. Her explosive execution, technical difficulty, and artistic finesse earned her the highest combined score of the meet, beating out a stacked field of Olympic hopefuls and NCAA standouts.

As the confetti rained down and the national anthem played, Chio stood atop the podium — golden medal draped around her neck, tears streaming down her face — savoring a moment that seemed years in the making.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Kailin Chio first turned heads as a precocious young gymnast at local meets. Even as a child, her coaches marveled at her rare blend of athleticism and mental toughness. By the time she was a teenager, Chio had already made her mark nationally, competing at elite levels and capturing attention with her dynamic floor routines and — most notably — her vaulting prowess.

Her journey, however, hasn’t been without challenges. Like many gymnasts who ascend to the highest ranks, Chio faced injuries, growing pains, and moments of doubt. But through it all, her determination never wavered.

“There were times when it felt impossible,” Chio said during her post-championship interview, holding back tears. “But I always believed that if I kept pushing, moments like this would come.”

That resilience paid off in a major way on Saturday.

Entering the finals as one of the top seeds, Chio knew the margin for error was razor-thin. The field featured established stars like Jordan Chiles, Kaliya Lincoln, and reigning Olympic medalists, each bringing sky-high difficulty scores and years of experience.

Chio’s first vault was a showstopper: a beautifully executed Yurchenko double full that had the crowd erupting before she even stuck the landing. The execution score came in at an eye-popping 9.825, paired with a massive difficulty score that vaulted her to the top of the standings.

On her second attempt, she unveiled a brand-new Amanar (Yurchenko 2.5 twists) — a daring move that only a handful of gymnasts in the world even attempt. Despite the high degree of difficulty, Chio performed it with remarkable control, earning another stellar score that cemented her position at the summit.

When the final results flashed on the giant screen, showing Chio as the national champion, she covered her mouth in shock before breaking into a radiant smile.

“I’ve dreamed about this moment since I was little,” Chio said. “And it’s even better than I imagined.”

The 2025 Vault Finals were considered one of the deepest and most competitive fields in recent memory. Jordan Chiles, a fan favorite and Olympic veteran, brought her usual power and charisma. Rising stars like Joscelyn Roberson and Lexi Zeiss delivered performances that would have won titles in other years.

But on this night, Chio was simply in a league of her own.

Her combination of difficulty, technique, and polish separated her from a field where even minor mistakes could prove costly.

“She made the hardest vaults in the competition look easy,” said NBC commentator Nastia Liukin, herself an Olympic champion. “That’s the mark of a true star.”

The journey to the national championship wasn’t linear for Chio. Early in the 2025 season, she made the difficult decision to tweak her technique, focusing on improving the height and form of her vaults. That decision, while risky, paid enormous dividends.

Under the guidance of her longtime coach Tamara Durant, Chio gradually rebuilt her vaulting repertoire, trading consistency for difficulty early in the season before piecing everything together at the right time.

“We had some setbacks,” Durant admitted. “There were days when it felt like we were taking one step forward and two steps back. But Kailin never lost faith in herself — and that made all the difference.”

Chio’s breakthrough came during the American Classic in March, where she posted the highest vault score of the meet and began gaining serious momentum. A few months later, her triumph at Nationals was the culmination of that steady climb.

Kailin Chio’s victory not only crowns her as the best vaulter in America this year but also positions her as a strong contender for the 2025 World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

In a sport that often demands both artistry and innovation, Chio possesses both in abundance. Her fearless attitude, technical mastery, and infectious enthusiasm have quickly made her a fan favorite.

“She’s got that ‘it’ factor,” said 1984 Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton during the broadcast. “When she steps onto the floor, you can feel the energy shift. That’s rare.”

Already, the gymnastics world is buzzing with excitement about what’s next for Chio. Some insiders believe she could soon debut even harder vaults — potentially becoming one of only a few women to successfully land a Cheng or Produnova in competition.

“I’m always working on new things,” Chio said with a wink when asked about future upgrades. “Stay tuned.”

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Chio has also become a symbol of perseverance and positivity for young athletes everywhere. Throughout her rise, she has been open about her struggles with mental health, including dealing with the pressure of expectations and the mental toll of injuries.

By sharing her story, Chio has endeared herself to a new generation of gymnasts, reminding them that success isn’t just about medals — it’s about the journey.

“There were days when it was hard to even get out of bed and go to practice,” Chio said candidly. “But every time I felt like giving up, I remembered why I started this in the first place — because I love it.”

In a sport still grappling with how to better support young athletes, Chio’s transparency is a breath of fresh air.

The reaction to Chio’s victory was immediate and overwhelming.

Social media exploded with congratulatory messages from fellow gymnasts, celebrities, and fans around the world. Simone Biles, arguably the greatest gymnast of all time, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram:

“Incredible performance from @kailinchio today. You EARNED that title, girl!! So proud of you!! #Champion”

Meanwhile, Chio’s hometown of Las Vegas planned a parade in her honor, celebrating one of their own bringing home national glory.

Former Olympian and current USA Gymnastics board member Alicia Sacramone Quinn said, “Kailin represents everything great about this new generation — fearless, strong, and true to herself. She’s a once-in-a-generation talent.”

Following her national championship, Chio will have little time to rest. She’s expected to attend the upcoming World Trials in June, where she will attempt to secure her spot on Team USA for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

Given her current form, she’s a virtual lock — but Chio isn’t taking anything for granted.

“I’m going to keep working like I’m in last place,” she said with a laugh. “That’s how you stay on top.”

Her coaches are already preparing her for the unique pressures of international competition — a different ballgame where even the smallest mistake can mean the difference between gold and heartbreak.

But if Saturday’s performance is any indication, Chio has both the tools and the temperament to thrive on the biggest stages.

It’s not every day that a gymnast announces herself so emphatically, so spectacularly. Kailin Chio’s golden moment at the 2025 Vault National Championship feels like the start of something much bigger — a career that could define American gymnastics for years to come.

For now, though, Chio is content to celebrate her achievement, reflect on how far she’s come, and savor the taste of victory.

“This is just the beginning,” she said, her voice full of excitement and promise. “I’m ready for whatever comes next.”

One thing is certain: so is the rest of the world.