As we now know, the list of gymnasts who will compete at the U.S National Championships next week is set. I was re-watching last year’s Nationals and it made me think. Who will I miss from last year and who will blow me away this year?

Without a doubt, I will miss Mattie Larson. She is one of the most talented and beautiful gymnasts I have ever seen. She did have major mistakes at last year’s World Championships, but I believe that to have been a fluke. Watching her on the floor exercise at last year’s Nationals, I still get chills.

Her dance is beautiful and mature. Her tumbling is quick and high. And her landings are unrivaled.

I am looking most forward to seeing the greatness that Alicia Sacramone will show us next week. Not only has she added floor to her list, but she has brought back the triple full, something I missed seeing her do. And there is a hope that we will see a front handspring, double twist on the vault. After everything she has been through in this sport, it is amazing that she is able to keep such difficulty in her routines.

With the return of Shawn Johnson and Chellsie Memmel, there is no doubt that all eyes will be on them. Memmel showed that she was ready to represent the U.S at the CoverGirl Classic going four for four and finishing second in the all around. Johnson only performed on the balance beam and uneven bars and it’s my hope that she will add vault and floor for nationals. Even with her fall on beam and bars, she has gotten one competition under her belt and Nationals is just the next step.

I wish the best of luck to all the gymnasts who will compete next week! Let’s go, U.S.A!

Mattie Larson on floor at the 2010 U.S National Championships.


Chellsie Memmel at the 2011 CoverGirl Classic.