The U.S. rhythmic program will send seven athletes to compete at the 2023 FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior World Championships July 7-9 in Cluj Napoca, Romania.
At the 2023 USA Gymnastics Championships June 22-24 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, seven rhythmic athletes were selected to represent the country at the second-annual Junior World Championships. U.S. junior all-around, hoop, ball and clubs champion Rin Keys (Porter Ranch, Calif./Burlo Gymnastics) and all-around bronze medalist Megan Chu (San Diego, Calif./Pacific Stars Rhythmic Academy) are set to compete for the U.S. in individual competition, while the Junior National Group of Goda Balsys (Northbrook, Ill.), Annabella Hantov (Northfield, Ill.), Kristina Lee (Woodridge, Ill.), Greta Pavilonyte (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) and Alaini Spata (Glen Ellyn, Ill.) from North Shore Rhythmic will see group action.
Athletes who participated in the first Junior Worlds in 2019 include current Senior National Team members Alexandria Kautzman (Simi Valley, Calif./California Rhythms), Jenna Zhao (Hinsdale, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics) and Emily Wilson (Brooklyn, N.Y.). The delegation finished top 20 in team competition.
The 2023 championships will begin with individual and group qualifications at 2:30 a.m. ET on both Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8. The U.S. will compete in Group D and will take the floor starting at 9 a.m. ET with Keys performing her hoop routine. Chu will follow on ball at 9:45 a.m. ET, after which, the junior group will compete in five balls at 1:10 p.m. ET. Keys will compete again on Saturday beginning at 8:33 a.m. ET for ribbon and then 9:18 a.m. ET for clubs. The Junior National Group will take on five ropes at 1:34 p.m. ET. Final competition will fill Sunday’s slate beginning at 6:05 a.m.
The top eight individual gymnasts and groups limited to two per country will advance to apparatus finals.
For more information about the 2023 Rhythmic Junior World Championships, visit the FIG event website.