The Stars of Salcianu

Salcianu Gymnastics and Dance may not have a handful of girls competing on the elite stage right now, but watch out because Salcianu has three up and coming elite gymnasts. One of their gymnasts: 11 year old Maile O’Keefe competed at the 2013 Secret Classic, she did not qualify to the P&G Championships, however nothing is stopping her from trying to qualify in this upcoming 2014 season. Training alongside Maile are gymnasts Lia Whitman and Sienna Robinson. These three girls are throwing huge, amazing skills for their age, and they manage to do it with such poise and grace.

Nov 23, 2013

National Rankings: USA Women's Start Values

Sep 12, 2013

Becoming Something Great: Sydney Johnson-Scharpf

Aug 5, 2013

My Favourite Routines - US Secret Classic 2013

On July 27th 2013, the USA's top female elite gymnasts filled the Sears Arena in Chicago for what was sure to be an exciting "warm up" competition before USA championships in a couple of weeks time. It was a chance for the gymnasts to try out new skills and size up their competition!   The junior meet showcased many elite debuts, most notably Norah Flatley of Chow's Gymnastics and Dance, who has since been dubbed "one to watch" after snatching the beam title from all around champ Bailie Key (2nd BB) and finishing 4th all around, just 3 tenths behind 3rd year junior Veronica Hults. Other standout first-time elites for me were Christina Desiderio of Parkettes (10th AA) and Sydney Johnson-Scharpf of Brandy Johnson's. (Tied for 18th AA). Christina's beam routine was one of my favourite routines of the day. Her execution was beautiful and I struggled to find any deductions at all, apart from a tiny hop on her dismount (two back handsprings, one and a half twist) and what appeared to be a tiny hesitation upon landing her switch leap half. Highlights of the routine included a confidently landed double backhandspring to a two foot layout, and the 180 degree split (sometimes more!) that she displayed on all her leaps and jumps. Desiderio's execution score of 9.000 was the highest of all the beam competitors in both the junior and senior competitions. I believe that with a small difficulty increase she could easily be in the medals very soon. (She placed 4th on beam).   Sydney Johnson - Scharpf, who is becoming known for her exuberant floor performances, delivered another energetic and confident routine, which drew in the crowd. Not only did she land her difficult tumbling passes well, but she showed her ability to really "perform" the routine, with her sassy choreography, and even a smile! Sydney finished 8th on floor, scoring an impressive 13.900. Junior floor champ Laurie Hernandez cannot go unmentioned. She competed four tumbling passes which included an excellent double tucked arabian to a stag leap, and a full twisting double pike, split up by some refreshingly unique choreography which was just as well performed. Laurie scored 14.650 to take the title.    My favourite bar routine of the day came from Fierce Five member and Olympic gold medalist Kyla Ross. Kyla hit every handstand with ease and showed gorgeous form throughout the routine. Highlights for me were her effortlessly caught straddled jaeger and her sky-high double layout dismount, landed with just a small step. She took first on bars easily with a score of 15.400. This routine, along with her other three that earned her the all around gold, proved that her standard of gymnastics has far from slipped since she helped the USA to team gold in London.

Aug 3, 2013

Loveliest Leo: Secret Classic Edition

The start of a new elite season means fresh faces, exciting combinations, and debuted skills, but, most importantly, it means a new batch of custom design leos! The 2013 Secret US Classic held no shortage of awe-inspiring gymnastics, but the leotard designs put fashionistas in a tizzy with the creativity and flash shown at this year's Classics. We narrowed down the top contenders, now you tell us which leotard puts your briefs in a bunch and takes your vote for the best leo of the 2013 Secret US Classic!

Aug 1, 2013

A look back at the 2006 US Classic....

Jul 29, 2013

Desch cleared to compete at Championships

Jul 29, 2013

Secret Classic Recap

Last night Olympians Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney made a huge splash at the 2013 Secret US Classic with Ross taking home the All Around crown and Maroney posting the highest vault score of the night. In case you missed yesterday's competition, we are running through yesterday's highlight reel and cueing you up for the P&G Championships taking place in August.

Jul 28, 2013

Maroney Vaults back into Action

Jul 27, 2013

Kyla Ross wins the 2013 Secret US Classic Senior Session

Jul 27, 2013

Bailie Key wins 2013 Secret Classic Junior Session

Jul 26, 2013

Shchennikova, Kenlin win 2013 US Challenge

The 2013 Secret US Challege wrapped up today in Chicago with Alyona Shchennikova of TIGAR and Adeline Kenlin of Iowa Gym Nest claiming all around titles in their respective divisions. The US Challenge is a pre-elite competition which features two age divisions of "Hopes" level athletes. These gymnasts are looking to gain experience with the elite scoring system before advancing to the junior elite level.

Jul 26, 2013

Maroney Will Compete Two Events at the 2013 Secret US Classic

Jul 25, 2013

2013 Secret US Classic LIVE Updates

Follow LIVE updates from the 2013 Secret US Classic from the Sears Centre Arena in Chicago. 

Jul 25, 2013

The 2013 Secret US Classic: What's at Stake?

Tomorrow marks the official start of the 2013 Secret US Classic as the Junior and Senior Elites take to the Sears Centre arena in Chicago, IL for podium training. While the athletes work out the kinks and adjust to the new equipment, do some training of your own and learn just what lies at stake for the gymnasts participating in the competition.

Jul 25, 2013