JACKSONVILLE, Fla.: The Japanese Rhythmic Gymnastics Team, lead by Yukari Murata, is in control of the Junior and Senior Individual Competition at the 1999 Four Continents Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, taking place this week at the Prime Osborn III Convention Center. The United States Rhythmic Team is currently in third place in the team competition after the first two rounds of competition in the Senior Division.


Jessica Howard of Jacksonville finished fifth in the Senior Division after tonight’s competition with a score of 18.966 from her rope and hoop routines. She is ranked number two on the Senior National Team.
Jacksonville’s Lindsay Powell, ranked number one in the United States on the Junior National Team, is currently ranked third after the first two rotations of rope and hoop in the Junior Division with a score of 17.649.
Powell and Howard train at International Rhythmic Gymnastics in Jacksonville. Both gymnasts are coached by Efrossina Anguelova.
“I was thrilled to represent the United States today. Hopefully, tomorrow I will be able to stay focused and at the top of the competition going into the finals,” said Powell.
Powell will compete in the ball and club events on Friday from 12:00-2:30 p.m. followed by Howard in the ball and ribbon events from 4:00-6:30 p.m.
“I definitely felt the support from friends and family while I was competing today. It is great to compete in my hometown,” said Powell.
After the Qualifying Rounds of the 4 Continents Event, 6 Juniors and 8 Seniors in each event will move on to the Event Finals.
The 4 Continents Competition takes place through Sunday evening, June 13.

Competition Schedule

Friday, June 11
9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. – Junior Individual and Team Competition
4:00 p.m.-9:15 p.m. – Senior Individual and Team Competition

Saturday, June 12
4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. – Junior Apparatus Finals and Group Competition
7:00 p.m.- 8:45 p.m. – Senior Group Competition

Sunday, June 13
2:00 p.m.-3:40 p.m. – Senior Competition
4:15-6:00 p.m. – Senior Group Competition
6:10 p.m. – Closing Ceremonies