U.S. acrobatic gymnasts to compete in Portugal

2007 U.S. women’s pair champions Mallory Henthorn of Independence, Mo., and Savannah Shields of Grain Valley, Mo., who train at Acro Explosion, are among the athletes who will represent the United States at the 2008 Maia Cup in Maia, Portugal, March 8-9.

February 4, 2008

Mallory Henthorn and Savannah Shields
© USA Gymnastics

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Feb. 4, 2008 – 2007 U.S. women’s pair champions Mallory Henthorn of Independence, Mo., and Savannah Shields of Grain Valley, Mo., who train at Acro Explosion, are among the athletes who will represent the United States at the 2008 Maia Cup in Maia, Portugal, March 8-9. The event features senior, junior and age group competition.

2007 U.S. junior mixed pair champions Kyle Bloom and Madeline Bones, both of San Jose, Calif./Aerial Tumbling & AcroGymnastics will compete at the junior level.

Three teams will compete in the age-group competition: mixed pair – Jake Kanavel and Eirian Smith, both of San Jose, Calif./Aerial Tumbling & AcroGymnastics; and women’s group – Chelcea Riegal of Kearney, Mo., Ashley Hargis of Kearney, Mo., and Krissy Weidmaier of Holt, Mo., who train at Rising Star Acrobatic Club, and Alexa Vitale, Kelly Phillips and Samantha Larson, all of San Jose, Calif./Aerial Tumbling & AcroGymnastics.