There were many great moments created in the first day of US Nationals, in both the senior and the junior competition. Here are 20 of the most memorable routines, in no particular order:
Simone Biles, vault – At Classic she chose to do only one vault (the Cheng, which looked fantastic) and the whispers started: “Will she do two vaults this year? How will she handle both the Cheng and the Amanar?”. We did not have to wait for an answer for too long, the Amanar is back and effortless. 15.4/5.8
Simone Biles, anger bars – After the miss at the US Classic, Simone took her revenge with a great set in the first day of Nationals. Not only redeeming her own performance but also taking the lead of the field on the event 14.85/6.1
Morgan Hurd, beam – It can be hard to start a meet on beam; also, given her experience three weeks ago (when her fall came on beam), the pressure must have been incredible. But this was a redeeming routine for Morgan: standing full, no problem, great splits – check 14.1/5.6
Morgan Hurd, floor – Because it is always a pleasure to watch on floor for the attention to detail and for the passion she puts in her performance. This was a watered-down routine compared to the US Classic (Silivas in, Moors out) but the change makes sense 13.85/6.0
Jordan Chiles, vault – Sticking an Amanar out of nowhere? Not exactly a new skill for Jordan, but wow! 15.0/5.8
Margzetta Frazier, beam – Only weeks ago Margzetta had no plans to compete elite again. Thanks to a call from the US National team coordinator Tom Forster and to the support received from UCLA, here she is at Nationals. She opened her evening with this balance beam performance 13.1/5.2
Jade Carey, floor – An immense routine is beginning to shape up for Jade. The tumbling is impressive and her execution is maintained until the end. Good power in the full in on the last pass 14.2/6.3
Trinity Thomas, bars – What a treasure she is and how light she looks doing these difficult skills. Not a perfect routine, but one that highlights Thomas’ qualities 14.4/5.7
**Kara Eaker, beam ** -When you talk about memorable routines, Kara Eaker’s beam has to always be in the conversation. A polished routine with original connections and great attack. The difficulty is worthy of a world medal one day. 14.2/6.4
Grace McCallum, beam – For her calmness and lightness and good difficulty. Not many expected Grace to place as high as she did in the first night, but thanks to polished performances like this one, she is fighting for a place on the podium and is a serious contender for the national team 13.8/5.4
Riley McCusker, uneven bars – Among the US seniors, she has the bars routine to watch and she manages to hit it every time. Grateful for the toe-point and for the ambitious connections 14.5/5.9
Juniors:
Sunisa Lee, bars – She is much more than just the girl with a Nabieva on bars, but as signature moves go, this is a pretty cool one to have. What comes after the Nabieva is also pretty impressive, mind you 14.8/6.1
Sunisa Lee, beam – A routine that includes both a layout to two feet and a side aerial to two layout stepouts, all skills done beautifully. 14.05/5.9
Konnor McClain, beam – For the toe-point, the standing full, all the leaps extended as they should be and, of course, that layout that flew two meters above the beam (who cares she had a big wobble) 14.0/5.8
Aleah Finnegan, beam – The younger Finnegan already shows signs that she will be just as an accomplished beam worker as her older sister. Beautiful flick – loso-loso series! 13.25/4.7
Levi Jung – Ruivivar, floor – For her toe-point, the Y turn, the fact that she is invested in her choreo and the overall polish. You just want to watch her all day on any event 12.3/4.8
Sydney Barros, uneven bars – At the tender age of 13, Sydney can do all the big skills, as this bars set shows. I love how she fights to continue and can correct her trajectory even when she finds herself in trouble. Now that is confidence. The full in layout at the end strikes like lightning 13.1/5.3
Kayla Di Cello, vault – She may be still a baby but this Yurchenko double full has fantastic power and beautiful execution 14.75/5.5
Leanne Wong, bars – I love the way she approaches this event. Leanne may be still a junior but this routine could challenge at the highest level in the near future. Bonus points for the flight in double layout at the end 14.35/5.7
Skye Blakely, beam – For the long lines, great extension and very high double back tuck dismount 13.25/5.2
How about you, what routines did you enjoy most? Leave a link or a note in the comments below!
Article: Bea Gheorghisor
Photo Cover: USA Gymnastics