INDIANAPOLIS, July 20, 2020 – USA Gymnastics has announced the invitational meets that are anticipated to participate in the 2021 Nastia Liukin Cup Series. If the full lineup is uninterrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, these events will feature some of the best Junior Olympic gymnasts throughout the United States as they vie for the opportunity to compete at the 2021 Nastia Liukin Cup.

The 36 gymnasts who will compete in the Cup will be determined through performances at the invitationals in the series. A total of 18 junior and 18 senior gymnasts will advance to the Nastia Liukin Cup. Senior athletes must be 16 years of age or older, and junior athletes must be 15 or younger.

The 2021 series will mark the 12th annual edition of the Cup, which was started in 2010 by 2008 Olympic all-around gold-medalist Nastia Liukin.

The invitationals participating in the 2021 Nastia Liukin Cup Series are listed below.

  • Atlanta Crown Invitational, Duluth, Ga., Jan. 8-10
  • Chow’s Winter Classic Invitational, Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 15-17
  • Star Struck Invitational, Atlantic City, N.J., Jan. 15-17 – Cancelled
  • Coaches Spectacular, Covington, Ky., Jan. 15-17 – Cancelled
  • Lady Luck Invitational, Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 15-17 – Cancelled
  • 2021 UGA Invitational, Tinley Park, Ill., Jan. 22-24 – Cancelled
  • Sand Dollar/Whitlow Invitational, Orlando, Fla., Jan. 22-24
  • Fiesta Bowl Invitational, Chandler, Ariz., Jan. 22-24
  • Houston National Invitational, Galveston, Texas, Jan. 28-31 – Cancelled
  • Buckeye Classic, Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 5-7
  • Greensboro Gymnastics Invitational, Greensboro, N.C., Feb. 5-7 – Cancelled
  • Pikes Peak Cup, Colorado Springs, Colo., Feb. 5-7 – Cancelled
  • WOGA Classic, Frisco, Texas, Feb. 5-7
  • Brestyans Las Vegas Invitational, Las Vegas, Nev., Feb. 12-14
  • Charity Choice Invitational, Tacoma, Wash., Feb. 12-15
  • Excalibur Cup, Virginia Beach, Va., Feb. 12-14
  • Metroplex Challenge, Fort Worth, Texas, Feb. 12-14
  • Presidential Classic, Orlando, Fla., Feb. 12-14

The date and location of the 2021 Nastia Liukin Cup will be announced at a later date. Past sites include 2018, Hoffman Estates, Ill.; 2016 and 2017, Newark, N.J.; 2015, Arlington, Texas; 2014 and 2019, Greensboro, N.C.; 2013 and 2010, Worcester, Mass.; 2012, New York City; and 2011, Jacksonville, Fla.

Background information

  • Nastia Liukin. At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Liukin’s total of five medals tied the U.S. gymnastics record for most medals in one Olympic Games. Liukin’s Olympic medals are: gold – all-around; silver – team, balance beam and uneven bars; and bronze – floor exercise. Liukin was the third of five U.S. women to win the Olympic all-around crown. She also won nine World medals in her career. In 2018, she was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, and in 2019, she was named to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame. Liukin has graced many magazine covers and appeared on various shows, including “Gossip Girl,” “Make It or Break It,” and the feature film, “Stick It.” Liukin was a contestant in the 2015 spring edition of “Dancing with the Stars” and was the grand marshal for the 2015 Indianapolis 500. She currently serves as a gymnastics analyst for NBC Sports and is a founder of Grander, a global community for the next generation of female athletes that provides access to the people who inspire, resources to help achieve dreams, and communities of like-minded people with similar ambitions. Liukin was coached by her father, Valeri, who has four Olympic medals from 1988 including two gold.
  • USA Gymnastics. Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States, encompassing seven disciplines: women’s gymnastics, men’s gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, gymnastics for all (a.k.a. group gymnastics) and, most recently, parkour. USA Gymnastics sets the rules and policies that govern the sport of gymnastics, including selecting and training the U.S. Gymnastics Teams for the Olympics and World Championships; promoting and developing gymnastics on the grassroots and national levels, as well as a safe, empowered and positive training environment; and serving as a resource and educational center for the more than 200,000 members, clubs, fans and gymnasts throughout the United States. The organization is deeply committed to creating a culture that encourages and supports its athletes and focuses on its highest priority: the safety and well-being of athletes and our community.