As USA Gymnastics’ Talent Opportunity Program enters its 22nd season, 50 athletes participated in the National TOPs Team camp at the USA Gymnastic National Team Training Center at the Karolyi Ranch, a U.S. Olympic Training Site, from Dec. 4-8. Athletes earned their spot on the TOPs A National Team by their placement at TOPs National Testing in October.
1988 Olympic gold medalist Valeri Liukin, Developmental Team Coordinator, led the camp. Liukin was joined by members of the National Coaching Staff to train the athletes and educate their coaches in basic skills, compulsory elite routines and optional skill progressions. Coaches’ lectures were held after every training session.
The camp started with TOPs National Physical Abilities testing. The following gymnasts placed in testing:
8 Year Olds
- 1. Hailey Havenor – Metroplex Gymnastics
2. Caden Ceminara – MG Elite
3. Sophia Shaft – Oakland Gymnastics
3. Emma Huther – Gym X-Treme
9/10 Year Olds
- 1. Carley Beeman – TIGAR
2. Ciena Alipio – West Valley Gymnastics
3. Sarah Stewart – Zenith Gymnastics
All the gymnasts received TOPs National Team apparel, which included an exclusively designed leotard and warm-ups provided by GK Elite. GK Elite has sponsored the TOPs Program for many years and USA Gymnastics appreciates their continued support.
Many gymnasts attending this camp received invitation to both Developmental Team and Developmental Invite Camps in 2014.