Highs

 

Dowell's Bars

Brenna Dowell completed a skill-packed routine over the weekend with a huge 16.7 starting value in her only event at Championships. Usually, competing just one event at a competition can create a large amount of pressure. Dowell handled this pressure well, and delivered her routine on both days of competition. She scored her highest bars score of 15.40 on day one. On day two, she improvised well to save her toe-on full, where she didn’t get over the bar, and had to pirouette out to continue the routine. She also hit her feet on the ground after her pak was a little faster and whippy than usual. Although she didn’t score as high on day two, she showed fight and never stopped during the routine when she easily could have. As an exceptional bar worker, she has the potential to make finals at the World Championships if she’s selected for the team and hits in competition. Watch her routine from day one here.
 

 

Horton's Comeback

After two years away from competition, Olympic silver medalist, Jonathan Horton made a big return during the senior mens competition. In an interview a couple weeks before the Championships, Horton spoke about being in the best shape he’s ever been in. Sure enough, he hit 12 for 12 routines throughout both days of competition. Although he had a few struggles on day one, he fought and never counted a fall. On day two, he improved his all-around score by over two and a half marks. It was a huge comeback for Horton and although he didn’t make the Worlds team, he’s been selected for the Pan American men’s team competing in Canada this week.

Whittenburg's New Debut

Donnell Whittenburg had some big upgrades in debuting his two brand new vaults at Championships. He spoke with us about his vaults in an interview here. On day one of competition, he only competed his first vault - a handspring double front half turn - the vault named after legend Romanian gymnast Marian Dragulescu. During day two, Whittenburgh performed one of the most dangerous vaults in the world for the first time - a tusk full-in. He landed it and looked thrilled with his performance. Whittenburgh will be looking to make finals with these two world-class vaults at the World Championships in October. 

Foberg's Goal Success

Jazmyn Foberg had always spoken about her goal of making the Junior National Team. Not only did she achieve that at these Championships, but she was crowned the Junior National Champion after a solid performance over the two days of competition. She expressed shock and excitement over her accomplishments during a post-competition interview. Her progress certainly warrants close attention. 

 

Lows

 

Baumann's Injury
During day two of Championships, Alyssa Baumann caught awkwardly and slipped off bars during a shaposh in her routine. She stopped and looked hesitant to continue, after which her coach and a judge spoke with her to make sure she was okay. When Baumann regained her composure, she completed her routine, although her swing looked a little uneasy. As soon as she finished, she was seen by a trainer and ice was wrapped on her elbow. In an interview after the competition, she said her elbow was fine. We later learned that, although she had been selected for the Pan American Championships team she was forced to withdraw due to a hyperextension injury. Baumann wound up placing fourth in the all-around.

 

Gowey's Injury During Podium Training

Rachel Gowey was unable to compete at Championships after she landed short on her triple twist dismount off beam during podium training. She was carried off the podium by her coach Chow and received medical attention. The diagnosis of a fractured her right foot forced her withdrawal. It was an extremely sad moment, as the triple twist itself looked a little low and although she lacked height, it didn’t look bad enough to result in a serious injury. It wasn’t until she didn’t get up after the dismount and her cries of pain could be heard that everyone realized the severity of what happened. Chow talked about how Gowey's injury "broke his heart" and his thoughts on her recovery process in an interview here.

 

Dennis’ Beam... On Both Days

Nia Dennis had a incredible competition other than her two falls on beam, which sabotaged her incredible talent and cost her the championship title. It was the same skill -- a standing arabian -- that caused both falls. This huge skill is tremendously difficult, in that it requires specific alignment of the hips on take off in order to create an almost perfect 180° jump turn into a front somersault. If the turn is anything more or less than 180°, it’s likely that the gymnast will come off the beam as it’s very difficult to save. It’s also a skill that once a gymnast takes off in the jump, they usually know whether they are in line of the beam or not - so basically, if they are going to hit it or miss it.