Congratulations to all of the athletes and USA Delegation for their hard work and success at the 1st Acrobatic Gymnastics International Tournament in Gabrovo, Bulgaria. The trip was a success on many levels

Sunday, May 7 - Heading into the final day of competition, Junior Women's Group, Keisha Padello, Meghan Ball and Erika Sundberg was in second place. Performing a beautiful Combined routine (28.233), the U.S. Women's Group earned the gold medal with a total score of 83.900. A special note must be made to Keisha's perseverance during a time of adversity as well as her partner's positive encouragement and support.

Saturday, May 6 - USA pair/groups started the first day of competition at the "Orlovet" Sports Hall. In the Women's Pair Age Group Competition, Hannah Vires and Maren Focke performed flawlessly. Hannah and Maren earned a 27.600 (Balance) 27.600 (Dynamic). The AGC Women's Pair won the gold medal for Team USA with a total score of 55.200.

In the Women's Group Age Group Competition, Ashley Hargis, Kristin Weidmaier, and Chelcea Riegel showed poise and confidence on the competition floor. The judges awarded the athletes with a 28.267 (Balance) and 27.500 (Dynamic). Finishing with a total score of 55.767, the AGC Women's Group won the gold medal for Team USA.

The Women's Group Junior Age Group, Erika Sundberg, Keisha Padello, and Meghan Ball were scheduled to compete their Dynamic and Balance routine first in the Junior division. During the 5 minute touch, Keisha Padello severely twisted her ankle on a dynamic element. Unable to finish the 5 minute touch, Head of Delegation asked permission for the women's group to compete the dynamic routine at the end of the rotation. Uncertain of the group's future, USA Head Coach and Head of Delegation immediately addressed the athlete's ankle. Keisha's partners, Meghan and Erika provided support and words of encouragement while treatment was provided. By the end of the Junior rotation, the USA Women's Group was ready to compete their dynamic floor. Taking the floor, the USA group received a round of applause. Performing a stong dynamic routine, the Junior Women's group earned a score of 27.667. Later that evening, the Junior Women's Group competed a Balance routine (28.00). After two routines, the USA Junior Women's Group was in second place going into the final day of competition.

Friday, May 5 - The 3rd and final training day, Team USA put the finishing touches on each of their routines. The first day of competition will be held tomorrow, May 6. The first day of competition will include 2 routines (Balance & Dynamic). The Junior Women's Group will compete their Combined routine on Sunday.

After training, Team USA visited the Open Air Museum Etar (Ethnographical Complex). The Ethnographical Complex is situated at 8 km from Gabrovo and is the only museum of its kind on the Balkan Peninsula. It was established in 1964 by Lazar Donkov and displays 50 sites representing typical architecture from the period of Bulgarian Revival, popular craft workshops and water facilities of the past. Rich variety of attractions, souvenirs and typical Bulgarian dishes can be found there. A few fountains, a clock tower and two stone bridges remind of times past by.

Thursday, May 4 - Team USA took the floor for their 2nd day of training at the "Orlovetz" Hall. USA Head Coach, Resi Buell-Size and USA Judge, Linda Ocmand provided feedback to all pair/groups during training. The athletes looked strong and confident as they continued to prepare for competition on Saturday and Sunday.

Outside of the gym, Team USA took a sightseeing trip to visit the Monastery of Gabrovo. The Monastery is situated at 15 km south–east from Gabrovo, hill-side overlooking the City of Gabrovo. It was established by Archbishop Josif Sokolski – an active participant in the national struggle for independent Bulgarian church. During the Revival a small school was located there. The spacious inner yard of the convent, its flourishing garden and beautiful fountain, built in 1868 by Master Kolyo Ficheto, create a unique atmosphere of peace and serenity. On Thursday, the group also took time to do a little shopping on Thursday. The small, yet quaint shopping district offered various craft stores, clothing boutiques, and food vendors.

Wednesday, May 3 - A USA Delegation of 8 athletes traveled to Gabrovo, Bulgaria for the 2007 Bulgaria Invitational in Gabrovo, Bulgaria. Team USA took the floor for their first day of training. The Bulgaria Invitational is scheduled to host athletes from the United Kingdom, Belgium, Bulgaria, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, and Netherlands.