HUNTSVILLE, Texas, Aug. 1, 2013 – Fresh from competing at the Secret U.S. Classic in the Hopes U.S. Challenge division, many members of the USA Gymnastics Developmental Team flew from Chicago to Huntsville, Texas, to train at the USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center at the Karolyi Ranch, a U.S. Olympic Training Site. The camp was led by 1988 Olympic gold-medalist Valeri Liukin, who serves as the elite athlete development coordinator.
For many of these athletes and coaches, this is the first day of next year’s competitive season. The working camp included physical abilities testing, and drills for new skills and progressions. Each training session was followed by coaches’ lectures to discuss training plans, skill selection and International Gymnastics Federation rules.
Alyona Shchennikova of TIGAR and Adeline Kenlin of Iowa Gym-Nest, who finished first in the 12-13 and 10-11 Hopes age divisions, respectively, went one-two in physical abilities testing. Delaney Harkness of Gedderts’ Twistars placed third in the testing.
Shchennikova was also recognized as most improved camper this month.
Other members of the Developmental Team headed back to their gyms to continue training and prepare to compete at the P&G Gymnastics Championships in Hartford, Conn., Aug. 15-18.