HUNTSVILLE, Texas, Sept. 27, 2016 – Forty-four gymnasts participated in a five-day developmental camp at USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center at the Karolyi Ranch, a U.S. Olympic Training Site. The athletes participated in two-a-day training sessions and physical abilities testing under the direction of National Team Coordinator Valeri Liukin.
Hannah Hagle of Texas East Gymnastics, Lauren Letzsch of TIGAR Gymnastics and Lillian Lippeatt of Cincinnati Gymnastics took the top three spots, respectively, for physical abilities testing. Following physical abilities testing, the coaches and national staff worked with the athletes on new skills and combinations to prepare for the upcoming elite season. These athletes will compete as Hopes and Junior Elites in 2017.
2008 Olympic All-Around Champion Nastia Liukin, daughter of Valeri Liukin, stopped by camp to share some encouraging words with the gymnasts. Liukin is on her way to the next stop of the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions.
The gymnasts will return to the training center in October as they prepare for the 2017 Elite competition season.