Thirty-eight gymnasts participated in the March Women’s Developmental Team camp under the direction of Valeri Liukin. The camp was held at the USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center at the Karolyi Ranch, an official U.S. Olympic training site. The gymnasts trained twice a day as many are getting ready for upcoming elite competitions including the National Qualifier in May, as well as the American and Secret U.S. Classic competitions scheduled for later in the summer.
The camp began with physical abilities testing. Maile O’Keefe of Salcianu Gymnastics earned the highest phsyical abilities score followed by Gabby Perea of Legacy Elite and Riley McCusker of Dynamic Gymnastics in second and third place, respectively. Caitlin Smith of Paramount Elite Gymnastics was named the most improved gymnast of the camp.
One of the emphases of the camp was adding artistry in both beam and floor routines, and Antonia Markova, national team choreographer, and Tammy Biggs worked directly with the coaches to enhance their routines. Athletes verified on all four events with 1988 Olympian Chelle Stack-Marcella as the judge.