© Grace Chiu

BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 22, 2016 – 2016 World Cup bronze medalist Laura Zeng of Libertyville, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics, and the U.S. rhythmic group advanced to the hoop and five ribbons finals, respectively, today at the Baku (Azerbaijan) World Cup. Zeng and the group were selected in June to represent the United States at the upcoming 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

In individual competition, Zeng posted an 18.150 for her hoop routine to qualify to the final tied for fifth. Camilla Feeley of Highland Park, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center, who is the USA’s replacement athlete for rhythmic gymnastics, posted a 17.550 and is the second reserve for the final. For ball, Feeley earned a 17.200 (12th place), while Zeng posted a 15.550 (22nd).

The U.S. group, which consists of North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics’ Kiana Eide, Alisa Kano, Natalie McGiffert, Jennifer Rokhman, Monica Rokhman and Kristen Shaldybin, qualified to the five ribbons final in eighth place with a 16.500.