Why You Should Root for Brenna Dowell at the 2014 AT&T American Cup

Feb 24, 2014 by Anne Phillips

After her crushing demotion to alternate on the eve of the 2013 World Championships in Antwerp, USA Senior National team member Brenna Dowell will finally get her chance to shine on the international stage. And for anyone who likes to root for the underdog, Brenna's the girl for you.

USA Gymnastics announced Sunday that Dowell will represent Team USA this Saturday at the 2014 AT&T American Cup, an FIG World Cup event. The quiet Missouri native will show up to Greensboro, NC with plenty to prove as she contends for the prestigious American Cup title.

Dowell has been called in to replace reigning World All Around and Floor Champion Simone Biles who withdrew with a shoulder injury. In the absence of Biles and Olympic gold medalist Kyla Ross, USA National team coordinator Martha Karolyi will be counting on Dowell and fellow American teammate Elizabeth Price to carry on the country's proud streak of Champions at this event. And as if replacing the World Champion weren't enough pressure, we should also point out that the competition is scheduled to be broadcasted live on network television. Regardless, Dowell and long-time GAGE coaches Al and Armine Fong are ready to rise to the challenge, armed with an extra bit of motivation.

After the sting of rejection in Antwerp, Dowell and the Fongs needed time to heal. Dowell was expected to compete as a bars and beam specialist on the four woman USA Team at the 2013 World Championships until fellow team member McKayla Maroney was promoted to an all around competitor. World Championship rules dictate that only three athletes from each country may compete on each event. Therefore, Dowell was bumped to the alternate position and would have to watch her first Worlds from the stands. Understandably, Dowell was crushed. Watch Dowell's emotional interview after receiving the news in Antwerp.

Outspoken Al Fong stuck up for his athlete in an October blog post sharing, "Brenna's milestone of making the World team was a huge accomplishment. Everyone agrees Brenna should have been selected to compete and it was her fans' loss including the USA that she wasn't allowed to do so."

After Worlds, Dowell had been invited to represent Team USA at the Mexican Open and two subsequent World Cup events, however she and her coaches declined. They opted to rest and recover, holding out bigger events on the horizon. Fong wrote, "Sorry USAG. You had your chance to let Brenna represent you proudly. Now it's time for a much needed break."

Dowell remained quiet on the subject.

Many expected Dowell to throw in the elite towel and prepare to begin college in the fall. She's signed with the University of Oklahoma and is the program's anticipated recruit. Instead, she has chosen a path of perseverance. Dilligent Dowell put her head down and returned to the grind of elite training at GAGE, a place where she is most comfortable.

Dowell has been described as the "work horse" of Team USA. What she lacks in natural flexibility she makes up for in sheer determination, work ethic, and drive. Her efforts have produced a slow, steady climb through the elite ranks since 2009. Finally, in 2013, she experienced a breakout season. She earned 3rd place all around finishes at the 2013 City of Jesolo Trophy, Secret U.S. Classic, and the P&G Championships right behind Biles and Ross. She also earned a bronze medal on bars at Nationals.

Watch Dowell train her signature bar routine at the 2013 World Championships:

Dowell may arrive in Greensboro with underdog status, but has a legitimate shot of winning it all. She'll pack a big punch with major skills like an Amanar on vault, a Church release on bars, a full twisting back handspring in combination on beam, and an incredible front handspring front double pike on floor.

So, just 3 days before her 18th Birthday, Dowell will be out to prove that she is the international contender and stone cold competitor that Fong strongly believes her to be. The ultimate prize would be to add her name to the storied list of American Cup Champions which include Katelyn Ohashi, Jordyn Wieber, Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, Carly Patterson, Shannon Miller, and Mary Lou Retton.

Gymnastike will be on-site for coverage of the 2014 AT&T American Cup. Stay tuned on Thursday as Gymnastike gives you the first look at Dowell, Price, and the international competitors during podium training in Greensboro. Competition will take place Saturday, March 1 at 11:30amET.