U.S. juniors Rin Keys (Porter Ranch, Calif./Burlo Gymnastics) and Megan Chu (San Diego, Calif./Pacific Stars Rhythmic Academy) are through to their respective finals on the first day of the 2023 Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior World Championships in Cluj Napoca, Romania.
In individual competition, Keys ranked fifth in hoop qualifications with a 30.900 to advance to Sunday’s apparatus final. Amalia Lica of host-country Romania ranked first (32.150). In ball qualifications, Chu moved into the final round in seventh with a 29.300. Bulgaria’s Elvira Krasnobaeva (31.950) was the top qualifier.
The Junior National Group of Goda Balsys (Northbrook, Ill.), Annabella Hantov (Northfield, Ill.), Kristina Lee (Woodridge, Ill.), Greta Pavilonyte (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) and Alaini Spata (Glen Ellyn, Ill.) from North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center scored a 25.500 in five balls competition and currently sits 18th in the all-around.
The competition continues Saturday, July 8, when the Americans will take on clubs, ribbons and group five ropes qualifications beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET. Live scoring and start lists are available on the competition website.