Seniors Lily Avila, Daria Merkulova and Jenna Zhao
© Team Photo

SOFIA, Bulgaria, March 31, 2022 – Four junior gymnasts and three seniors will represent the U.S. at the 2022 International Tournament Sofia Cup this weekend in Sofia, Bulgaria. In total, athletes from 20 countries will compete across the two divisions.

Juniors Jaelyn Chin (Aventura, Fla./Bessonova’s School), Megan Chu (San Diego, Calif./Emerald City Acadmy of Rhythmic Gymnastics), Rin Keys (Porter Ranch, Calif./Burlo Gymnastics) and Erika Rusak (Auburn, Wash./Evergreen Rhythmics) will kick off the competition on hoop and ball Friday at 7 a.m. ET at the Sofia Sports Hall. Seniors Lily Avila (Highland Park, Ill./Vitrychenko Academy), Daria Merkulova (Grayslake, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center) and Jenna Zhao (Hinsdale, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center) will follow at 9 a.m. ET. Juniors will take on clubs and ribbon Saturday at 2:30 a.m. ET with the U.S. seniors set to compete on the final two apparatus at 11:15 a.m. ET.

The all-around title will be awarded Saturday based on the first two days of competition. The top eight gymnasts in each division on each apparatus will also advance to Sunday’s individual event finals. Only one gymnast per country may compete in each final in the junior division, while two gymnasts per country may qualify to the senior apparatus finals.

More information about this weekend’s competition is available on the event’s official website.