INDIANAPOLIS, April 29, 2022 – This year’s Rhythmic Eastern and Western Level 9 Classic competitions will take place April 29-May 1 in Lake Placid, N.Y., and Los Angeles, Calif., respectively. Both events feature U.S. Level 9 rhythmic gymnasts from their geographic areas, spanning the HOPES, junior and senior age divisions. Level 9 gymnasts are those who have mastered the USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Development Program core competencies and have demonstrated they are ready and able to perform full routines that meet the constructs set forth by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). Beyond individual competitors, FIG junior groups will also be in action this weekend.

In addition to gaining valuable experience on a high-level, pseudo-national competition stage, participating athletes will attempt to qualify to the 2022 Elite Qualifier, slated for May 21-22 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Gymnasts may then qualify to the 2022 USA Gymnastics Championships – the annual national championships for rhythmic gymnastics in the U.S. – based on performances at next month’s Elite Qualifier.

Eastern Level 9 Classic, Lake Placid, N.Y.
The Eastern Level 9 Classic is being hosted at the Lake Placid Olympic Center by Region 4 Rhythmic. The competition will feature the top Level 9 rhythmic gymnasts from Regions 4-6, which are comprised of the following states: Region 4 – Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont; Region 5 – Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia; Region 6 – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

A list of participating athletes can be found here. An outline of the schedule is also available below. Live results can be found here.

  • Friday, April 29: Senior 2002-05, Senior 2006 and FIG Junior Groups all apparatus
  • Saturday, April 30: HOPES, Junior 2007, Junior 2008 and Junior 2009 hoop and ball
  • Sunday, May 1: HOPES, Junior 2007, Junior 2008 and Junior 2009 clubs and ribbon

Western Level 9 Classic, Los Angeles, Calif.
The Western Level 9 Classic will be held at Los Angeles Mission City College and is being hosted by the Rhythmic Academy of Los Angeles. Participating athletes hail from Regions 1-3 with regions determined by state: Region 1 – Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah; Region 2 – Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming; Region 3 – Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Competitors are listed here, and the event schedule is summarized below.

  • Friday, April 29: Senior 2002-05, Senior 2006 and FIG Groups all apparatus
  • Saturday, April 30: Junior 2007, Junior 2008, Junior 2009 and Junior 2010-11 hoop and ball
  • Sunday, May 1: Junior 2007, Junior 2008, Junior 2009 and Junior 2010-11 clubs and ribbon