American Classic- Junior Elites - Part 1

The 2014 American Classic will feature thirty junior elite gymnasts. The American Classic will be held at the ranch in Huntsville, Texas on July 5th. The majority of the athletes competing in the American Classic are veterans of the ranch, through the developmental camps or National team camp, and they are very familiar with the equipment and environment. The American Classic will serve as one of two qualifiers for the P&G Gymnastics Championships. 

Pictured: Maile O'Keefe

12 year old, Maile O'Keefe will bring her beautiful lines and artistry to the American Classic. Maile trains at Academy of Gymnastics - Salcianu Gymnastics with coaches Sorin and Tammy Salcianu. Maile enjoys the challenge of new skills, getting to compete and making new friends. Her goals for gymnastics include, qualifying to the US Classic, competing at the National Championships & becoming a member of the Jr. National Team. She also wants to represent U.S.A. at the 2020 Olympics. Maile was a 2013/2014 Developmental Camp attendee. In 2013 Maile qualified for junior elite at the 2013 June Developmental Camp where she placed 2nd. 

Emerging junior elite gymnast Delanie Harkness trains at Geddert's Twistars. Delanie is another gymnast from Geddert's corral of outstanding Level 9/10 National competitors. Delanie trains with John Geddert and Kathryn Geddert.  Delanie trains with Hopes gymnasts, Autumn Blaney. Delanie started the 2013 season as a level 9 and finished it as a level 10. At the Brestyans Las Vegas Invitational, Delanie’s first meet as a level 10, she placed 1st on bars and 2nd on beam. Delanie was also features on Gymnastike’s “Beyond the Routine.” Delanie may be young, but she is powerful!


Pictured: Deanne Soza

Second year junior elite gymnast Deanne Soza has caught the eye of Martha Karolyi and was invited to the National Team Camp this year. Soza trains at Arete Gymnastics with Dan and Jana Coleman. She is 12 years old and will graduate in 2020. Deanne enjoys the challenge for perfection within the sport of gymnastics. Her goals include making the National Team Member and competing in the 2020 Olympics. Soza was the top developmental camper in 2013.  Deanne competed at the 2013 P&G Championships and Secret Classic as a junior elite. At last year’s American Classic Deanne finished 1st on beam and 6th in the all-around. 

First year junior elite gymnast Shania Adams trains at Buckeye Gymnatics. Adams trains alongside junior elite gymnast, Nia Dennis, and is very similar within her gymnastics. Shania makes her gymnastics look effortless and has some big skills within her routines. Adams placed 3rd at May Developmental Camp where she quailed for junior elite and the American Classic. 

Pictured: Shilese Jones

 

First year junior elite gymnast Shilese Jones will also compete at this year’s 2014 American Classic. Jones is 11 years old and will graduate in 2020. Shilese competed at JO Nationals and won the Hopes division last year in July qualifier. A strength of Jones’ gymnastics is her big tumbling on floor. Shilese will be performing the “Jones” at the American Classic. This skill was named after her when she successfully performed it at the 2014 JO Nationals. Click here to watch the “Jones”. At the 2013 US Challenge, she placed 3rd in the all-around, 1st on vault and 3rd on floor.

 

 

Stay tuned to Gymnastike for more information on the remaining junior elite gymnasts competing at the 2014 American Classic. Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and follow us on Instagram.

 

Related:

Complete roster for the 2014 American Classic