China 165.764, USA 165.531. After 15 years, the Americans are not world champions. How the streak ended — and the seven titles that built it — in photos.
Photo: Getty Images via PopSugar — USA celebrates team gold at the 2022 worlds in Liverpool (file photo)
The U.S. led by nearly two points at the halfway mark. Then balance beam happened: China gained 4+ points, led by Zhang Qingying's stunning 15.066.
Photo: People's Daily (file photo)
Trailing by 0.800 with one gymnast each left, the U.S. needed China to falter on floor. Qiu Qiyuan needed 12.600 — and delivered 12.833 to win it.
Photo: The Gymter (file photo)
Before the beam collapse, Skye Blakely's uneven-bars set brought the American bench to its feet. Claire Pease (14.366 on bars) was the team's steadiest hand.
Photo: Florida Gators (file photo)
Simone Biles led the Americans to their seventh consecutive world team title in Belgium — the last gold of the streak.
Photo: Reuters via GMA News (file photo)
Biles and the U.S. kept rolling in Germany, extending a run that already felt inevitable.
Photo: Bluewin (file photo)
The Americans won by a record margin in Qatar — the most dominant night of the entire dynasty.
Photo: AP via NBC Sports (file photo)
In China, of all places, the Americans defended their 2011 crown and proved the first title was no fluke.
Photo: FIG — Mykayla Skinner at the 2014 worlds in Nanning (file photo)
Fifteen years ago in Japan, the U.S. women began a run of seven straight world team titles that would define an era.
Photo: USA Gymnastics (file photo)
2011 Tokyo. 2014 Nanning. 2015 Glasgow. 2018 Doha. 2019 Stuttgart. 2022 Liverpool. 2023 Antwerp. Seven titles, three Olympic cycles, one dynasty.
Photo: CP via Sportsnet — Biles leads the 2023 title run in Antwerp (file photo)
The defeat stings, but second place booked the Americans a team spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The rivalry has its next date.
Photo: Getty Images — Biles at the Paris 2024 Olympics (file photo)
Scores, the beam collapse, and what silver means — our complete report on the night the dynasty ended. Tap below.
Photo: Getty Images via PopSugar — USA celebrates team gold at the 2022 worlds in Liverpool (file photo)