INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., July 16, 2009 – 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, and 2008 Olympic team silver-medalist Samantha Peszek of Indianapolis, Ind., are among 132 women expected to compete in the CoverGirl Classic at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa. The CoverGirl Classic is the last opportunity for women to qualify for the 2009 Visa Championships in Dallas, Texas, and its field features a combination of gymnasts vying for spots in the Visa Championships and qualified gymnasts using the event as a tune-up for Dallas. For the first time in event history, fans across the country may watch live coverage of the CoverGirl Classic, July 25 on Universal Sports. The television and Web simulcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.
“I know fans across the country will be excited that Nastia and Sam are beginning their return to competitive gymnastics and that they will have the opportunity to see the CoverGirl Classic, either in person, on TV or on the Web,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “We are proud to partner with Universal Sports to make this event available to fans around the country and throughout the world.”
"When a superstar gymnast returns to competition in a post-Olympic year, it’s a tremendous boost for gymnastics," said David Michaels, Universal Sports’ Executive Producer. "The new emerging stars can gauge their progress against Olympic Medalists in a competitive situation. The Cover Girl Classic is a tune-up for the Visa Championships in August when a new national champion will be crowned. For Universal Sports, the Cover Girl classic is an historic step in original programming."
Liukin, who won a total of five medals during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, is using the CoverGirl Classic as preparation for her return to competitive gymnastics at the 2009 Visa Championships, Aug. 12-15 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Liukin, who trains at WOGA, is expected to perform on the balance beam. The CoverGirl Classic is also the first competition since the 2008 Olympic Games for Peszek, who now trains at Sharp’s Gymnastics.
This will be the first live event produced unilaterally by Universal Sports with its own facilities, talent and production team at a remote site. Previously, live events have been produced in conjunction with NBC and other TV entities. "Bringing our audience fresh, new live gymnastics programming is a major goal for our network," said Michaels, who is also a Senior Producer for NBC Olympics and Director of the Gymnastics coverage. "This event opens new horizons for USA Gymnastics and Universal Sports."
U.S. Olympians Tasha Schwikert and John Roethlisberger will call the action for the Universal Sports simulcast, which will run from 7-9 p.m. CT, and Liukin will join the broadcast team following the first rotation as a correspondent on the floor. Universal Sports is available in 56 million homes nationwide. To find Universal Sports in a specific area, go to http://www.universalsports.com/fls/23000/tv/where-to-find-on-tv.html. On the Web, live coverage will be available on both www.usa-gymnastics.org and www.universalsports.com.
Formerly known as the U.S. Classic, the CoverGirl Classic has competition for international junior and senior levels, as well as the challenge level. Tickets are now on sale: international junior session (1 p.m. on July 25), $20; international senior session, $25; a daily ticket that includes both international sessions, $35; and an all-session ticket that includes both international and the challenge sessions, $50. Tickets may be purchased at the Wells Fargo Arena Box Office, all Dahl’s Foods locations, charge by phone at 1.866.55.DAHLS, or online at www.dahlstickets.com. All tickets are general admission. Visa is the preferred method of payment. For more ticketing information, visit www.usa-gymnastics.org/covergirlclassic.
The 2009 Visa Championships, USA Gymnastics’ national championships, are Aug. 12-15 in Dallas, Texas. The U.S. champions for men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling are determined at the Visa Championships. Artistic gymnastics will be held at American Airlines Center, with rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling at the Dallas Convention Center. The USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show, held in conjunction with the Visa Championships, will also be at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. For complete information on the Visa Championships, log on to www.usa-gymnastics.org.
About Universal Sports
Universal Sports, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, serves as the preeminent multiplatform destination for Olympic-related and lifestyle sports programming available on television and online. Universal Sports is available in 56 million television households, and is now available in nine of the top 10 DMAs including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Houston, Seattle and Denver. Major world championship and Olympic qualifying events found on Universal Sports range from track and field, skiing, swimming, gymnastics, marathons and cycling, to volleyball, rowing, triathlon, fencing, speed skating and martial arts. UniversalSports.com delivers an immersive experience via live and on-demand competition coverage, interaction with top athletes through blogs and in-depth access to Olympic sports news and information year round. For more information on the availability of the Universal Sports 24-hour television channel, please visit UniversalSports.tv.
2009 CoverGirl Classic Competitor Field
*Arranged alphabetical by state
Stefani Catour, Phoenix, Ariz., Desert Lights Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
Tara Catour, Phoenix, Ariz., Desert Lights Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Claire Hom, Phoenix, Ariz., Desert Lights Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
Courtney Loper, Chandler, Ariz., Desert Lights Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Zoe Martin, Gilbert, Ariz., Desert Lights Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Arianna Ruth, Chandler, Ariz., Desert Lights Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Mykayla Skinner, Gilbert, Ariz., Desert Lights Gymnastics, International Junior
Morgan Alfaro, Placentia, Calif., Gym-Max Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Kami Amemiya-Shows, Murrieta, Calif., SCEGA Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Kaitlyn Clark, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Precision Gymnastics, International Senior
Sophina DeJesus, Temecula, Calif., SCEGA Gymnastics, International Junior
Carinne Gale, Simi Valley, Calif., Monarch’s Natl GYM Training Ce, International Junior
Alexandra Gremillion, Costa Mesa, Calif., Gym-Max Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
Kristyn Hoffa, San Marcos, Calif., SCEGA Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
LaNiesha-Jopre Irvin, Corona, Calif., Gym-Max Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Megan Kyle, Victorville, Calif., Gym-Max Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
McKayla Maroney, Laguna Niguel, Calif., Gym-Max Gymnastics, International Junior
Danielle McNair, Dove Canyon, Calif., Gym-Max Gymnastics, International Junior
Nicolette McNair, Dove Canyon, Calif., Gym-Max Gymnastics, International Junior
Kristen Nogaki, Orange, Calif., Gym-Max Gymnastics, International Junior
Danielle Ramirez, Corona, Calif., Gym-Max Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
Kyla Ross, Aliso Viejo, Calif., Gym-Max Gymnastics, International Junior
Devin Sheridan, Temecula, Calif., SCEGA Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
Jessica Wang, Chino Hills, Calif., Precision Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Claire Hammen, Loveland, Colo., GK Gymplex, Challenge Div.
Margaret Teets, Colorado Springs, Colo., Colorado Aerials GYM Center, International Junior
Kiersten Wang, Monument, Colo., Colorado Aerials GYM Center, International Senior
Courtney Cowles, Canton, Conn., New England Gymnastics Express, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Amanda Bertorello, Tampa, Fla., LaFleur’s Gymnastics Largo, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Jana Bieger, Coconut Creek, Fla., Bieger International GYM, International Senior
Olivia Courtney, Orlando, Fla., Orlando Metro Gymnastics, International Senior
Bridget Dean, Cape Coral, Fla., Orlando Metro Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
Kaitlin Green, Safety Harbor, Fla., LaFleur’s Gymnastics Largo, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Hailey Leonard, Jacksonville, Fla., Starlight Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Shynelle Mae Agaran, Coral Springs, Fla., Boca Twisters, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Lauren Marinez, Orlando, Fla., Orlando Metro Gymnastics, International Junior
Sara Shipley, Coral Springs, Fla., Boca Twisters, Challenge Div.
Aja-Monet Sims, Oakland, Fla., Orlando Metro Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
Emma Slappey, Jacksonville, Fla., Starlight Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Morgan Smith, Clearmont, Fla., Brandy Johnson’s Global GYM, International Junior
Heather Swanson, Parkland, Fla., Boca Twisters, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Bridgette Caquatto, Naperville, Ill., Naperville Gymnastics Club, International Junior
Mackenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill., Naperville Gymnastics Club, International Senior
Samantha Peszek, McCordsville, Ind., Sharp’s Gymnastics Academy, International Senior
Kara Lovan, Des Moines, Iowa, Triad Gymnastics, International Junior
Jordyn Beck, Overland Park, Kan., McCrackens Gymnastics and Swim, International Junior
Rheagan Courville, Baton Rouge, La., Elite Gymnastics, International Senior
Keely McNeer, Baton Rouge, La., Elite Gymnastics, International Junior
Talia Chiarelli, Sudbury, Mass., Brestyan’s American Gymnastics, International Junior
Georgia Dabritz, Rowley, Mass., Ace Gymnastics Inc., International Senior
Alexandra Raisman, Needham, Mass., Brestyan’s American Gymnastics, International Junior
Kytra Hunter, Frederick, Md., Hill’s Gymnastics, International Senior
Corrie Lothrop, Montgomery Village, Md., Hill’s Gymnastics, International Senior
Rachel Dickson, Canton, Mich., Michigan Elite Gymnastics Acad, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Alyssa Shermetaro, Rochester Hills, Mich., Olympia Gymnastics Academy, International Junior
Jordyn Wieber, DeWitt, Mich., Gedderts Twistars USA, International Junior
Gracie Cherrey, Woodbury, Minn., Perpetual Motion GYM Center, Challenge Div.
Maggie Nichols, Little Canada, Minn., Twin City Twisters, Challenge Div.
Claire Boyce, Lee’s Summit, Mo., Great American Gymn. Express, International Junior
Rebecca Clark, Blue Springs, Mo., Great American Gymn. Express, International Junior
Brenna Dowell, Odessa, Mo., Great American Gymn. Express, International Junior
Napualani Hall, Kansas City, Mo., Texas Dreams Gymnastics, International Junior
Katelyn Ohashi, Independence, Mo., Great American Gymn. Express, International Junior
Kimberly Jacob, Raleigh, N.C., Superior Gymnastics, International Senior
Sarah Persinger, Mt Holly, N.C., Southeastern Gymnastics Center, International Senior
Julianna Drapkin, Aberdeen, N.J., Rebound Gymnastics Inc., Challenge/Hopes Div.
Dominiquea Trotter, Prt Monmouth, N.J., Rebound Gymnastics Inc., Challenge Div.
Kellie Wanamaker, Washington, N.J., Parkettes National GYM Center, International Junior
Cydney Crasa, So. Setauket, N.Y., Exper-Tiess Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Jacqueline Lowe, Commack, N.Y., Exper-Tiess Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Asi Peko, Henderson, Nev., Brown’s Gymnastics-Las Vegas, International Junior
Brianna Brown, West Chester, Ohio, Cincinnati Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
Kathryn Carlisle, Newark, Ohio, Buckeye Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
Nia Dennis, New Albany, Ohio, Buckeye Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Amelia Hundley, Hamilton, Ohio, Cincinnati Gymnastics, International Junior
Amanda Jetter, Milford, Ohio, Cincinnati Gymnastics, International Junior
Lexie Priessman, Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
Cassandra Whitcomb, Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Gymnastics, International Senior
Dare Maxwell, Edmond, Okla., Dynamo Gymnastics, International Junior
Lauren Beers, Warren Center, Pa., Southern Tier Gymnastics, International Junior
Jazmyn Estrella, Allentown, Pa., Parkettes National GYM Center, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Madeline Hanley, Danielsville, Pa., Parkettes National GYM Center, International Junior
Annie Masenheimer, Allentown, Pa., Parkettes National GYM Center, Challenge Div.
Annette Miele, Easton, Pa., Parkettes National GYM Center, International Senior
Rachel Sine, Bethlehem, Pa., Girls&Boys In Co-Operation Gym, Challenge Div.
Morgan Steigerwalt, Jim Thorpe, Pa., Parkettes National GYM Center, International Senior
Taylor Worthington, West Warwick, R.I., Aim High Academy Inc, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Caitlin Atkinson, Houston, Texas, Cypress Academy of Gymnastics, International Junior
Kennedy Baker, Lewisville, Texas, Texas Dreams Gymnastics, International Junior
Hayley Bolanos, Spring, Texas, Woodlands Gymnastics Academy, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Mackenzie Brannan, Austin, Texas, Capital GYM Super Center, International Junior
Rebecca Bross, Plano, Texas, WOGA Gymnastics, International Senior
Katherine Campbell, Lewisville, Texas, Texas Dreams Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Allison Cary, Coppell, Texas, Texas Dreams Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Briley Casanova, Dallas, Texas, WOGA Gymnastics, International Junior
Rachel Daum, Katy, Texas, Stars GYM Training Center-Hous, International Junior
Ericha Fassbender, Katy, Texas, Stars GYM Training Center-Hous, International Junior
Ariana Guerra, League City, Texas, Woodlands Gymnastics Academy, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Katelyn Haworth, Flower Mound, Texas, Texas Dreams Gymnastics, International Junior
Adeline Helland, Denton, Texas, Denton Gymnastics Academy, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Raven Helland, Oak Point, Texas, Denton Gymnastics Academy, International Junior
Ivana Hong, Plano, Texas, WOGA Gymnastics, International Senior
Alaina Johnson, Tyler, Texas, Texas East Gymnastics, International Senior
Bailie Key, Magnolia, Texas, Woodlands Gymnastics Academy, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Ashton Kim, Westlake, Texas, Texas Dreams Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Madison Kocian, Dallas, Texas, WOGA Gymnastics, International Junior
Elizabeth LeDuc, Baytown, Texas, Woodlands Gymnastics Academy, International Junior
Sophia Lee, Plano, Texas, WOGA Gymnastics, International Junior
Anastasia Liukin, Parker, Texas, WOGA Gymnastics, International Senior
Mikayla Magee, League City, Texas, MGA Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Grace McLaughlin, Allen, Texas, WOGA Gymnastics, International Junior
Abigail Milliet, Denton, Texas, Denton Gymnastics Academy, International Junior
Emily Milliet, Denton, Texas, Denton Gymnastics Academy, International Junior
Emily Oglesby, Huntsville, Texas, Woodlands Gymnastics Academy, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Gena Pitts, Highland Village, Texas, Texas Dreams Gymnastics, International Junior
Savana Sparks, Blossom, Texas, Gymnastics Power House, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Braie Speed, Schertz, Texas, Olympic Hills Gymnastics, International Junior
Macy Toronjo, Huntsville, Texas, Woodlands Gymnastics Academy, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Brianna Winfrey, Sea Brook, Texas, MGA Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Kiana Winston, Forth Worth, Texas, Texas Dreams Gymnastics, International Junior
McKenzie Wofford, Spring, Texas, Stars GYM Training Center-Hous, International Junior
Krystine Jacobsen, Noroflk, Va., Excalibur Gymnastics, International Junior
Ashley Lambert, Newport News, Va., World Class Gymnastics , International Junior
Brooke Parker, Lorton, Va., Capital Gymnastics Natl Center, International Senior
Britney Ranzy, Chesapeake, Va., Excalibur Gymnastics, International Senior
Destinee Davis, Woodland, Wash., Naydenov Gymnastics Inc., Challenge/Hopes Div.
Baely Rowe, Federal Way, Wash., Auburn Gymnastics Center Inc., Challenge Div.
Nicole Steele, Sumner, Wash., Auburn Gymnastics Center Inc., Challenge/Hopes Div.
Caroline Caponi, Brookfield, Wis., M and M Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Heather Foley, Pewaukee, Wis., M and M Gymnastics, Challenge Div.
Skyler Memmel, West Allis, Wis., M and M Gymnastics, Challenge/Hopes Div.
Kayla Williams, Huntington, W.V., Gym Nest Inc., International Senior