INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 22, 2019 – After the first of three days of the 2019 Rhythmic Challenge, three rhythmic gymnasts won all-around titles at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, Ind. The three champions are: Gemma Gow of Rhythmic Dreams, Hopes Division; Ameilia Schneider of Rhythmic Art, junior; and Valeria Gridina, Rhythmic Academy of Marin, Level 9.

The USA’s top elite rhythmic gymnasts take the floor on Saturday, as well as the rhythmic group. In Saturday’s Rhythmic Challenge’s senior elite division, the field is expected to include 2018 Pan Am Championships all-around champion Nastasya Generalova of Los Angeles/California Rhythms; 2018 U.S. all-around silver-medalist Evita Griskenas of Orland Park, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center; and 2018 Pan Am Championships hoop silver-medalist Lili Mizuno of Northbrook, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center. 2016 Olympic alternate Camilla Feeley of Deerfield, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center, will perform two exhibition routines. The U.S. Senior National Group, which trains at North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center, is expected to compete in the group competition.

Performances at the Rhythmic Challenge determine rankings for the junior and senior U.S. National Teams. The Level 9-10 Invitational is being held in conjunction with the Rhythmic Challenge.

The remaining competition schedule, which is subject to change, is as follows.

Saturday, Feb. 23
10 a.m. – Level 9 Invitational, Groups 1, 2, 3
1:45 p.m. – Group Challenge (elite level)
2:25 p.m. – Level 10 Invitational, Groups 1 and 2
4:15 p.m. – Junior Challenge (elite level)
4:55 p.m. – Senior Challenge (elite level)

Sunday, Feb. 24
9 a.m. – Level 9 Invitational, Groups 3, 2, 1
12:45 p.m. – Group Challenge (elite level)
1:25 p.m. – Level 10 Invitational, Groups 2, 1
3:15 p.m. – Junior Challenge (elite level)
3:55 p.m. – Senior Challenge (elite level)

Open to the general public, a nominal admission fee will be charged.

Rhythmic gymnastics is characterized by grace, beauty and elegance combined with dance and acrobatic elements, while working with the apparatus in a choreographed routine to music. The five apparatus used in rhythmic gymnastics are rope, hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon. Rhythmic gymnasts may compete individually or as a group. The choreography must cover the entire floor with intricate apparatus handling, dance combinations, jumps, leaps, rotations, and balance difficulties. Each movement involves a high degree of athletic skill. Physical abilities needed by a rhythmic gymnast include strength, power, flexibility, agility, dexterity, endurance and hand-eye coordination.

Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. The organization is committed to creating a culture that encourages and supports its athletes and focuses on its highest priority, the safety and well-being of the athletes. USA Gymnastics has already taken specific, concrete steps to strengthen its safe sport policies and procedures. The organization’s disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics and gymnastics for all (formerly known as group gymnastics). For more complete information, log on to usagym.org.