USA Men & Women compete back-to-back on Aug. 17

Indianapolis – The U.S. men’s and women’s World Championships Teams will compete in back-to-back sessions on Aug. 17 to qualify for the team finals at the 2003 World Gymnastics Championships, Aug. 16-24 at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim.

“This draw is perfectly suited to our teams,” said USA Gymnastics President Bob Colarossi. “We have a young, energetic, very deep squad on the women’s side that should perform well in the company of The Netherlands and Slovakia. The men are equally deep and experienced, which suits the styles of Bulgaria and France. I think both teams should fare well in their groups and be well prepared for finals.”

During the Championships draw conducted late on May 24 in Puerto Rico, the U.S. men drew subdivision 10, and are slated for session 5 which runs from 2-6 p.m. on Aug. 17. The rotation order for the U.S. men will be: FX, PH, SR, V, PB, HB. Filling out subdivision 10 are France, Cyprus, Korea, Bulgaria and Mexico. The men’s team finals are from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 19.

Later that day, the U.S. women will take to the podium in subdivision 2, which includes The Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Mixed Group 1, and Slovakia. The U.S. women will start with a bye and compete in the order of V, UB, Bye, BB, FX when they open competition during session 6 from 7-11 p.m. on Aug. 17. The women’s team finals are from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 20.

The 2003 World Gymnastics Championships will award individual event gold medals as well as team titles in both men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics disciplines. The World Championships also serve as the only route for athletes and countries to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Games.

Individual tickets go on sale June 1. Ticket prices range from $22-75 depending on the date and session. Tickets are available at the Arrowhead Pond box office, by calling 888-8WORLDS03, at www.worlds03.com, or through participating gymnastics clubs listed at www.usa-gymnastics.org.

The World Championships will be televised nationally on NBC Sports on Aug. 23 and 24 from 2-4 p.m., plus one hour of primetime coverage from 7-8 p.m. Aug. 24.