2013 P&G Championships: What's at Stake?

Aug 12, 2013 by Elizabeth Stranahan

The 2013 P&G Championships kick off this Wednesday, August 14th, but do you really know what the competition decides? Get the low down on who is showing up and what is on the line as these gymnasts prepare for this weekend's competition.

Junior elite Bailie Key leaping on floor at the 2013 Secret US Classic.

What's at Stake?

The most immediate items up for contention at this weekend's Championships are the National Titles. With Jordyn Wieber not entering the competition and John Orozco recovering from an injury it is likely there will be no repeat All Around Champions in the senior division. Actually, on the women's side, there will be entirely new winners in every category from juniors to seniors as the reigning champions either will not compete in this year's Championships, or they moved up from the junior to senior division. This means a lot of shuffling should occur as the new quad starts to take shape.

While relatively few will win the National Title, a coveted spot on the National Team and an invitation will be the next target. Following the competition both the men and women's National Teams will be announced. The men will also at that time announce who will make up their World Championship Team. The women, however, incur an extra step in the selection process. The Senior Women will be hoping for an invitation to the National Selection Camp. The women hope to travel to the Karolyi Camp one more time to impress Martha Karolyi and the rest of the National Selection Committee. Performance at the Selection Camp combined with ability and talent exhibited throughout the 2013 elite season will all factor into which four gymnasts will travel to Belgium for the World Championships at the end of September.

Kyla Ross on bars at the 2013 Secret US Classic.

So Who Could Challenge?

The men's side appears more clear as to who could run away with the the titles. Jake Dalton is the favorite for the All Around Title, along with his Olympic teammates. If Paul Ruggeri is healthy he could also be a strong contender, so a showdown between this group of gentlemen is likely. For the juniors, Marvin Kimble strongly holds favor. Kimble won the title last year and comes to the event after a strong showing at the 2013 JO Nationals where he won the all around, floor, pommel horse, rings, and high bar titles. Kimble also placed an impressive third on the vault at the meet. Ryan Sheppard and Dylan Ellsworth also bring strong competition and should be in the mix to snatch up some medals of their own.

The women's side bodes for a full out frenzy. Kyla Ross brings a lot to the table winning the All Around at the 2013 Classic, but newcomer Peyton Ernst of Texas Dreams nipped at her heels throughout the event. Also in contention, Simone Biles endured uncharacteristic falls at this year's Classic, but if Biles stays on her feet, she could make a solid run at taking the top spot. Another prized position in question is the vault champion. While McKayla Maroney may be back to elite competition, she joins a new pool of athletes and strong opposition. MyKayla Skinner, Lexie Priessman, and Simone Biles are all rumored as training two vaults, so time will tell who if there is a new vault leader in town. Maroney along with Elizabeth Price and Madison Desch also hope to enter into the all around competition for the first time this season which hopefully will make for an exciting competition.

And for the juniors go ahead and start placing your bets because there are a lot of challengers this year and any one of them could steal the crown. National Team member Bailie Key comes to Championships having won the title at the Secret Classic. Key won the title after battling an illness, so it is likely the best is yet to come for this young athlete. Amelia Hundley, Laurie Hernandez, Nica Hults, and Nia Dennis all wait in the wings, though, to give Key a run for her money. Norah Flatley strongly races for the beam title, and her teammate Alexis Vasquez could also unseat some top contenders. The junior session may provide some of the most excitement of the weekend as first-year elites establish themselves in the elite world, and existing stars cling tightly to protecting their positions.

2007 World Team member Alicia Sacramone on the beam.

What Else is Happening?

The competition is not the only excitement of the weekend. The Fierce Five and the 2007 USA World Championship Team will both be honored prior to the Women's Final as they are inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame this year. The 2012 Men's Olympic Team will also reunite with most on the competition floor with the exception of Jonathan Horton who recently pulled out of the competition. These teams continue to inspire the gymnastics community, so it is with great anticipation and pleasure that they reconvene under the same roof.

Last on the list, USA Gymnastics celebrates their 50th Anniversary this weekend, and we cannot think of a better way to celebrate the momentous occasion than with a high-level competition.

So clear your schedule and watch for your favorites as the 2013 P&G Championships roars to a start on August 14th. Gymnastike will be your eyes and ears throughout the week. For more information of coverage of the 2013 P&G Gymnastics Championships, click here.