NASHVILLE – Courtney Kupets needed a 9.600 on the uneven bars, her final event, to tie Carly Patterson for the All-Around title at the 2004 Visa U.S. Gymnastics Championships. She received exactly that, and the pair became just the third set of co-Champions in USA Gymnastics history.
Kupets and Patterson were neck and neck throughout the entire competition, putting up solid scores on each event. Kupets’ best score, 9.800, came on balance beam in the first rotation, while Patterson later matched that mark on floor.
“It’s very competitive but we all get to know each other,” Patterson said. “We all want each other to do our best. We are both really great gymnasts. We are best friends – like sisters. After vault I thought I lost it, but I am glad we tied.”
Kupets earned identical marks of 38.225 in both all-around prelims and finals, while Patterson improved from prelims to finals, turning in marks of 38.150 on day one and 38.300 in finals.
For Kupets, the victory is even sweeter. The 2002 World Champion on uneven bars, Kupets was forced to withdraw from the 2003 Worlds with a torn Achilles tendon on Aug. 18. Meanwhile, Patterson went on to finish second in the all-around at Worlds and earn a gold medal with the team.
World Championships teammate Terin Humphrey finished third all-around, the highest all-around finish of her career. Right behind her was teammate Courtney McCool, who jumped from eighth to fourth with an outstanding effort, including a 9.600 on floor.
The last all-around tie recorded at the U.S. Championships occurred between Vanessa Atler and Kristy Powell in 1997.
Thursday’s all-around preliminary score was combined with Saturday’s all-around final score to determine the all-around champion. The top 14 athletes were named to the 2004-05 Senior National Team, while the top 12 athletes will advance to the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Gymnastics, June 24-27 in Anaheim, Calif.
For complete results and National Team rosters, visit www.usa-gymnastics.org.
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2004-’05 Women’s Senior National Team
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Courtney Kupets
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7/27/1986
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Gaithersburg, Md.
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Hill’s Gymnastics
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Carly Patterson
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2/4/1988
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Allen, Texas
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WOGA
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Terin Humphery
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8/14/1986
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Bates City, Mo.
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GAGE
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Courtney McCool
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4/1/1988
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Kansas City, Mo.
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GAGE
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Allyse Ishino
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2/19/1988
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Santa Ana, Calif.
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Charter Oak Gliders
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Liz Tricase
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7/26/1986
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Itasca, Ill
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IGI
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Tabitha Yim
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11/2/1985
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Irvine, Calif.
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Charter Oak Gliders
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Tia Orlando
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2/18/1988
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Philladelphia, Pa.
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Parkets
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Tasha Schwikert
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