The Pan American Games rhythmic gymnastics competition gets underway Friday, August 6, in Winnipeg, Canada at the Investors Group Athletic Centre located on the University of Manitoba campus.
Individual Competition
United States rhythmic gymnasts have a great chance to medal in individual competition. American gymnasts on the Pan American Team include 1999 Rhythmic National Champion Jessica Howard of Jacksonville, Fla. and runner-up Kate Jeffress of Rockville, Md.
The home team of Canada is expected to provide tough competition, along with gymnasts from Cuba and Brazil.
Group Competition
The group team representing the United States are the current national champions. All five members train together at Rhythmflex in Rockville, Md. One member of the group, Erin Jeffress of Rockville, Md., is the youngest member of the entire U.S. delegation at 14 years old. The oldest member of the rhythmic group, Johanna Shoemaker of Olney, Md., is 17 years old. Other group members include Katherine Betts (Syracuse, N.Y.), Stefanie Croyle (Boston, Mass.), and Lisa Welshinger (Bryan, Texas).
The Brazilian group is favored in competition. Cuba and Canada will also be teams to watch.
Rhythmic Gymnastics Schedule
| Friday, August 6 | |
| 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | Individual All-Around Qualifying Competition Rotation 1 |
| 4:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Group Qualifying Competition Exercise 1 |
| Saturday, August 7 | |
| 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | Individual All-Around Qualifying Competition Rotation 2 |
| 4:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Group Qualifying Competition Exercise 2 |
| Sunday, August 8 | |
| 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Individual All-Around Finals (2 apparatus) |
| 11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Group Final Competition Exercise 1 |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Individual All-Around Finals (2 apparatus) |
| 12:45 p.m.-1:15 p.m. | Group Final Competition Exercise 2 |
| 1:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m. | Award Ceremony |