NASHVILLE – Nastia Liukin proved true to form in capturing her second consecutive Junior National all-around title at the 2004 Visa U.S. Gymnastics Championships at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tenn.
Liukin (Plano, Texas/World Olympic) led the competition from start to finish, earning a final mark of 38.075 – a full two-tenths better than her preliminary marks. A pair of Floridians followed, with Orlando’s Shayla Worley (Orlando Metro) second at 74.200 and Coconut Creek’s Jana Bieger (American Twisters) third at 73.650.
“My main goal was to hit eight for eight and I did that,” Liukin said. “I have been working on my routines and being consistent. My goal isn’t winning or losing. Everyone wants to win, but that is not what I think about coming into the competition.”
Liukin’s highest marks came on beam, where her near flawless performances earned a 9.750 on Thursday, and a 9.725 in the final.
Worley upstaged her fourth place finish from last year and secured her second place position in her final rotation with a 9.300 on floor exercise. Going into today’s competition in sixth place, Bieger, who won vault yesterday, improved to third. She stuck her bar dismount, a full-twisting double back somersault, earning a 9.325 to secure the bronze medal.
Additionally, 14 athletes were named to the Junior National Team. For complete results and 2004 Senior and Junior National Team rosters, visit www.usa-gymnastics.org.
| 2004 Women’s Junior National Team | |||
| Nastia Liukin | 10/30/1989 | Plano, Texas | WOGA |
| Shayla Worley | 9/2/1990 | Orlando, Fla. | Orlando Metro |
| Jana Bieger | 11/12/1989 | Coconut Creek, Fla. | American Twisters |
| Ashley Priess | 3/8/1990 | West Chester, Ohio | Cincinnati Gymnastics |
| Kassi Price | 8/2/1989 | Plantation, Fla. | Orlando Metro |
| Bianca Flohr | 2/9/1991 | Creston, Ohio | Flytz USA |
| Natasha Kelley | 1/1/1990 | Baton Rouge, LA | Brown’s Gymnastics |
| Samantha Peszek | 12/14/1991 | McCordsville, Ind. | DeVeau’s |
| Morgan Evans | 3/1/1990 | Norkfolk, Va. | Excalibur |
| Makayla Stambaugh | 8/27/1990 | Citrus Heights, Calif | Byers |
| Shantessa Pama | 3/5/1991 | Kona, Hawaii | Gym Max |
| Cortni Beers | 3/22/1990 | Tulsa, OK | Kraft Academy |
| Austyn Fobes | 4/21/1991 | Howell, N.J. | Rebound Gymnastics |
| Meghan Blair | 6/24/1989 | Dallas, Texas | Texas Dreams |
Quotes:
Nastia Liukin
“My main goal was to hit eight for eight and I did that. I have been working on my routines and being consiste