In honor of the American Cup, taking place on the 7th of March 2015, The List is looking back at stellar American Cup performances and moments. More than a list of the previous champions and winners, these are the routines that became fave memories of the sport. As we are approaching almost 40 years of competition, it is of course impossible to include every key routine or gymnast, but here is a diverse rundown of the international competitors who charmed us fans!
Nadia Comaneci ROM 1976 FX (1st AA)
At the inaugural Cup, the reigning European Champion traveled to New York City and delighted the crowds before taking over the gymnastics world at the Montreal Olympics later that year. Commentator Cathy Rigby is mesmerized by the young Romanian who won the first American Cup title, alongside men’s champion Bart Conner of the USA (who, almost twenty years later, became her husband!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y87BO6tnB08
Mary Lou Retton USA 1985 BB (1st AA)
Less than a year after her record-breaking and star-producing turn at the Los Angeles Olympics, the two time reigning American Cup champion returned to competition after touring the country, appearing on Wheaties boxes, meeting the President, and enjoying the life as America’s sweetheart. With typical power on vault and floor, as well as her namesake Retton flip on bars, it was the beam where Mary Lou challenged herself for the new quad and cemented herself as a true legend of the sport (wearing her Olympics leotard, natch.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNA8ZKSA66U
Olessia Dudnik URS 1989 BB (2nd AA)
The eventual European Champion (and world medalist) on beam did not disappoint on her signature event in Fairfax, VA. What she lacks in height on her leaps she makes up for in her difficulty: roundoff layout step out mount, aerial cartwheel to two back layout step outs, roundoff to tuck back full, and roundoff, back handspring, triple twist dismount. In 1989. (And check out her turn to arabesque from the side. Innovative!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXWx69u0v2A
Elodie Lussac FRA 1994 FX (4th AA)
The star of the Junior Europeans showed up in Orlando, FL with tremendous poise, polish, and promise. Though she had a struggle on beam, she bounced back with this charming and crowd pleasing floor routine. While her senior career did not ultimately pan out the way we had hoped, we have this lovely show to cherish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoG1yvdf_lk
Ana Maria Bican ROM 1995 FX (2nd AA)
While the story of the 1995 Cup was how two-time reigning World Champion Shannon Miller did not make finals (back when gymnasts had to qualify) and her little known American teammate Kristy Powell won the title, Ana Maria quietly and steadily showcased powerful routines, culminating in this super solid floor. While personality does not shine, she hits every landing and stuns the audience. (And I love love love her triple. And how did she time the landing of her first pass to the music? Amazing!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2zJdmQ3TNs
Svetlana Boguinskaya BLR 1996 BB (2nd AA)
Serious about her comeback to her third Olympics (totally unthinkable at the time), Svetlana came to Fort Worth, TX with her new coach (and former rival) Bela Karolyi. While her experience and toughness was to be expected, it was her crisp routines and challenge for the title that impressed the gymnastics community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okUb9I5ev4A
Oksana Chusovitina UZB 2002 FX (4th AA)
I just love this routine. Seriously, Oksana. Split leg double layout to punch front?! And we thought she was, um, experienced (okay, old) back then! This routine in Orlando, FL comes eleven years after she won became World Champion on floor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUKKWvAHKCY
Elsa Garcia MEX 2007 FX (3rd AA)
While the 2007 Cup in Jacksonville, FL marked the senior debut of Shawn Johnson, it also gave the gym world the styling of Mexican Elsa Garcia. While not in perfect condition, her third place finish ahead of other ‘Big 4 Nation’ gymnasts was an exciting moment of the Cup. Many were surprised by her skill level and promise, and her long lines and unique style were a refreshing aspect of the gymnastics world. (Bonus routine: her bars from prelims!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmjW2l5ST9I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqADi_FghYk
Jordyn Wieber USA 2009 BB (1st AA)
After the amazing success of Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson at the Beijing Olympics, many were wondering who would be the next star for Team USA. While future World Champion Bridget Sloan was in Hoffman Estates, IL, it was little Jordyn Wieber, all of 13 years old, who was physically fit and stacked with skills to win her first of three titles. Unfazed by the pressure, Jordyn quickly became a fan favorite.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ76Wtgg2g4
Aliya Mustafina RUS 2011 UB (2nd AA)
The reigning World Champion came to Jacksonville, FL to show off her skills and title against one of the strongest fields the Cup has ever seen. While a mistake on floor ultimately cost her the title to Jordyn Wieber, her bar performance reminded everyone why she was the queen of gymnastics at the time. With unparalleled precision, skill, and combinations, Aliya gave us a jaw-dropping preview of her Olympic Champion destiny.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIWO3u7jlE
Special Mention: Gabby Douglas USA 2012 BB
While only two Americans were officially entered to compete in New York City, World Champion team member Gabby Douglas was at the Cup as an exhibition performer. Quietly, she stole some of the thunder by posting a higher score than eventual winner Jordyn Wieber. This was the competition that gym fans got a glimpse of the Olympic Champion to come, and her unofficial victory adds to the story of Olympic success following an American Cup win. Will next year’s winner continue to write this story?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8SFyH4vhik
There are many other notable champions and star performers from American Cups past- which routines stand out to you? Of all the great gymnasts who have competed since 1976- who else will you add to the list?
(Props and thanks to USA Gymnastics for uploading the competitions and individual routines since 1976! Amazing YouTube channel!)
Article by: Kristen Ras
Photo Cover: Brigid McCarthy