2013 Secret Classic Watch List
2013 Secret Classic Watch List
2013 Secret Classic Watch List
With the competition field set, training heats up for the athletes preparing for the 2013 Secret US Classic taking place July 27 in Chicago, IL. The long-awaited return of Olympian McKayla Maroney takes center stage, but the Secret Classic roster bodes well for an exciting competition across the board. Take note as we run down the top skills and stunts that should catch your eye at the 2013 Secret US Classic.
McKayla Maroney at the 2012 US Olympic Trials. Photo by Melissa Perenson.
Much anticipation surrounds 2012 Olympians McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross entering the Sears Centre arena next weekend. This marks Maroney's first competition since the London Games where she walked away with a gold in the team event and an individual silver on the vault. Maroney joins London teammate Kyla Ross who already participated in several international events following the Olympic Games the 2013 American Cup and the 2013 Jesolo Trophy among them. Both athletes previewed new floor routines and combinations at the May National Team Training Camp, demonstrating that while veterans of the international stage, these athletes have yet to catch their full potential. The experience and expertise this duo brings to the gymnasium promises to keep the audience watching with bated breath.
Next on the Watch List is newly turned Senior Simone Biles of Bannon's Gymnastics. At the 2012 Secret Classic, Biles swept the Junior All Around title, and she carried this winning spirit with her to the Senior ranks taking home the all around title at the 2013 Jesolo Trophy and placing second at the 2013 American Cup. Renown for her powerful tumbling and vaulting ability, Simone also boasts clean lines and amplitude in her split leaps. Keep an eye out for her switch leap - switch leap 1/2 combination on the beam as this young athlete sets out to prove she can do it all.
Simone Biles on floor at the 2013 American Cup. Photo by Melissa Perenson.
The Secret US Classic also marks the first time Biles and Maroney will face off on the vault with their impeccable Amanars. Both gymnasts are strong contenders for the 2013 World Vault title. Chicago gold blazes as the first test in a long series to come.
Another new Senior coming to Chicago is Lexie Priessman of Cincinnati Gymnastics. Priessman reigns as the 2012 Junior National All Around champion. With an Amanar vault, a double-double on floor, and a full-in dismount off beam, a lot of promise surrounds this young athlete. Even if she does not participate in the all around competition, take note of the variety Priessman brings to the table.
Second year Senior Brenna Dowell will also compete at the Secret Classic. In May, Dowell unveiled an Amanar vault at the National Team Training Camp. The Amanar makes for an exciting addition to Dowell's routine repertoire. Time will tell whether Dowell will compete her new skill at the Classic, but we wait excitedly for its grand debut.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for Desert Lights MyKayla Skinner's double twisting double layout. Skinner touts as the first woman to ever complete this skill competing it for the first time at the 2013 Fiesta Bowl Invitational. At that same meet, Skinner continued flaunting her explosive aptitude performing an impressive Cheng vault. Skinner's powerful prowess places her on our Secret Classic Watch List.
Lastly, some honorable mentions, and single skills that should grab your attention. The new code of points foretells tricky new beam combinations thrown into the mix. Linkages of front and front-side aerial skills look to become commonplace with many competitors playing with such combinations. Rachel Gowey of Chow's Gymnastics, for instance, throws a front aerial- front aerial combination, and Maggie Nichols of Twin City Twisters trains a front aerial- side somi. Also on the beam, if Abigail Milliet of Denton Gymnastics Academy takes to the apparatus do not miss her routine as it packs both high difficulty and elegant leaps; the tourjete full in particular impresses. Moving to the floor, the new code of points unrolls some rules concerning standing in the corner. Many gymnasts will now dance directly into their tumbling passes in hopes of creating more cohesive movement qualities and routines as a whole.
The return of Maroney, dueling Amanars, changing Code of Points, and more all indicate a memorable 2013 Secret US Classic. Tune in on July 27th as these athletes take to the Sears Centre Arena, and stay updated on the latest Classic news by following Gymnastike's Secret Classic coverage.
What are you looking forward to seeing at the 2013 Secret US Classic? Tell us in comments!
McKayla Maroney at the 2012 US Olympic Trials. Photo by Melissa Perenson.
Much anticipation surrounds 2012 Olympians McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross entering the Sears Centre arena next weekend. This marks Maroney's first competition since the London Games where she walked away with a gold in the team event and an individual silver on the vault. Maroney joins London teammate Kyla Ross who already participated in several international events following the Olympic Games the 2013 American Cup and the 2013 Jesolo Trophy among them. Both athletes previewed new floor routines and combinations at the May National Team Training Camp, demonstrating that while veterans of the international stage, these athletes have yet to catch their full potential. The experience and expertise this duo brings to the gymnasium promises to keep the audience watching with bated breath.
Next on the Watch List is newly turned Senior Simone Biles of Bannon's Gymnastics. At the 2012 Secret Classic, Biles swept the Junior All Around title, and she carried this winning spirit with her to the Senior ranks taking home the all around title at the 2013 Jesolo Trophy and placing second at the 2013 American Cup. Renown for her powerful tumbling and vaulting ability, Simone also boasts clean lines and amplitude in her split leaps. Keep an eye out for her switch leap - switch leap 1/2 combination on the beam as this young athlete sets out to prove she can do it all.
Simone Biles on floor at the 2013 American Cup. Photo by Melissa Perenson.
The Secret US Classic also marks the first time Biles and Maroney will face off on the vault with their impeccable Amanars. Both gymnasts are strong contenders for the 2013 World Vault title. Chicago gold blazes as the first test in a long series to come.
Another new Senior coming to Chicago is Lexie Priessman of Cincinnati Gymnastics. Priessman reigns as the 2012 Junior National All Around champion. With an Amanar vault, a double-double on floor, and a full-in dismount off beam, a lot of promise surrounds this young athlete. Even if she does not participate in the all around competition, take note of the variety Priessman brings to the table.
Second year Senior Brenna Dowell will also compete at the Secret Classic. In May, Dowell unveiled an Amanar vault at the National Team Training Camp. The Amanar makes for an exciting addition to Dowell's routine repertoire. Time will tell whether Dowell will compete her new skill at the Classic, but we wait excitedly for its grand debut.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for Desert Lights MyKayla Skinner's double twisting double layout. Skinner touts as the first woman to ever complete this skill competing it for the first time at the 2013 Fiesta Bowl Invitational. At that same meet, Skinner continued flaunting her explosive aptitude performing an impressive Cheng vault. Skinner's powerful prowess places her on our Secret Classic Watch List.
Lastly, some honorable mentions, and single skills that should grab your attention. The new code of points foretells tricky new beam combinations thrown into the mix. Linkages of front and front-side aerial skills look to become commonplace with many competitors playing with such combinations. Rachel Gowey of Chow's Gymnastics, for instance, throws a front aerial- front aerial combination, and Maggie Nichols of Twin City Twisters trains a front aerial- side somi. Also on the beam, if Abigail Milliet of Denton Gymnastics Academy takes to the apparatus do not miss her routine as it packs both high difficulty and elegant leaps; the tourjete full in particular impresses. Moving to the floor, the new code of points unrolls some rules concerning standing in the corner. Many gymnasts will now dance directly into their tumbling passes in hopes of creating more cohesive movement qualities and routines as a whole.
The return of Maroney, dueling Amanars, changing Code of Points, and more all indicate a memorable 2013 Secret US Classic. Tune in on July 27th as these athletes take to the Sears Centre Arena, and stay updated on the latest Classic news by following Gymnastike's Secret Classic coverage.
What are you looking forward to seeing at the 2013 Secret US Classic? Tell us in comments!