TUPELO, Miss. and BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – May 10, 2009 – Competition concluded on Sunday at the 2009 Women’s Junior Olympic Level 9 Eastern and Western Championships. 16 regional Champions were crowned in each competition in junior and senior divisions.

The Level 9 Eastern and Western Championships are the culmination event for the competitive season and include the best gymnasts in the country at this level. The competition features 16 age divisions (Junior 1-8 and Senior 1-8), which are determined by age and birth date. The Western Championships includes top gymnasts from Regions 1-4 and the Level 9 Eastern Championships includes the top gymnasts from Regions 5-8.

The top six gymnasts in the all-around in each age divisions at the respective Regional Championships, held April 17-19, qualified to the Level 9 Eastern and Western Championships.

The Junior Olympic Eastern and Western Championships are two of USA Gymnastics’ national championships. Many Junior Olympic champions have gone on to make the U.S. National Team and represent the United States in international competition and/or to compete in collegiate gymnastics.