© Diane Bidermann
HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 13, 2010 — Julie Zetlin of Bethesda, Md., won three of the four senior individual event titles for rhythmic gymnastics at the 2010 Visa Championships at the University of Hartford (Conn.) Chase Arena. Shelby Kisiel of Missouri City, Texas, claimed the fourth event title. Zetlin had the top score in the preliminary all-around; the all-around finals are Saturday, Aug. 14.
Zetlin, who trains at Rhythmflex, won the titles for hoop (24.900), ribbon (24.950) and ball (26.375). She also garnered the rope silver medal (24.775). Her all-around preliminary score was 101.000.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for too long, and for it to finally come true and happen just kind of feels surreal,” said Zetlin. “It’s awesome.”
Kisiel, who trains at North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics, captured the rope gold medal with her 24.800. She was second in hoop (24.700), ribbon (24.575) and ball (25.750). Kisiel was finished second in the all-around preliminary rankings (99.825).
Olga Pavlenko of Brooklyn, N.Y./Isadora Rhythmics, rounded out the top three in rope (24.400), as well as the all-around prelims (94.025). JoAnna Arnold, Evanston Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics, was third in hoop (23.000) and ball (24.150). Anastasia Torba of Orinda, Calif./Allegro Rhythmic, earned the ribbon bronze (24.075).
Universal Sports will televise live the men’s and women’s senior competition on Aug. 12-13, respectively, on its television network and website, beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Live, prime-time coverage of the final day of the women’s competition on NBC Sports begins at 8 p.m. on Aug. 14. NBC Sports will broadcast action from the men’s competition at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 15. 1984 Olympic gold-medalist Tim Daggett, Olympian Elfi Schlegel, Andrea Joyce and Al Trautwig are the announce team for both the NBC and Universal Sports broadcasts.
Hosted by 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin and three-time Olympian John Roethlisberger, “Around the Gym” will be a fun and informative way for TV viewers to see additional interviews and commentary from the Visa Championships. “Around the Gym” will air prior to the Universal Sports telecast on Aug. 12-13 and after competition concludes on Universal Sports on Aug. 12-14.
To find a Universal Sports channel in a specific area, click here. On the Web, live coverage will be available on both www.usagym.org/visa and www.universalsports.com.
The Visa Championships determine the U.S. champions and the national team for each discipline for both the junior and senior elite levels in four disciplines. Tickets are on sale now and available through all Ticketmaster outlets. For more information, go to www.usagym.org/visa.
Held at the Connecticut Convention Center, the USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show is the annual gathering of professional members that offers educational and business sessions, a large exhibitor’s hall and other business and educational opportunities. The National Congress is staged in conjunction with the Visa Championships.
2010 Visa Championships
University of Hartford Chase Arena
Hartford, Conn.
Aug. 13, 2010
Senior rhythmic gymnastics event finals and all-around preliminary round
Hoop
1. Julie Zetlin, Bethesda, Md./Rhythmflex, 24.900
2. Shelby Kisiel, Missouri City, Texas/North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics, 24.700
3. JoAnna Arnold, Evanston Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics, 23.000
Ribbon
1. Julie Zetlin, Bethesda, Md./Rhythmflex, 24.950
2. Shelby Kisiel, Missouri City, Texas /North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics, 24.575
3. Anastasia Torba, Orinda, Calif./Allegro Rhythmic, 24.075
Rope
1. Shelby Kisiel, Missouri City, Texas /North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics, 24.800
2. Julie Zetlin, Bethesda, Md./Rhythmflex, 24.775
3. Olga Pavlenko, Brooklyn, N.Y./Isadora Rhythmics, 24.400
Ball
1. Julie Zetlin, Bethesda, Md./Rhythmflex, 26.375
2. Shelby Kisiel, Missouri City, Texas/North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics, 25.750
3. JoAnna Arnold, Evanston Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics, 24.150
All-around preliminary round
1. Julie Zetlin, Bethesda, Md./Rhythmflex, 101.000
2. Shelby Kisiel, Missouri City, Texas/North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics, 99.825
3. Olga Pavlenko, Brooklyn, N.Y./Isadora Rhythmics, 94.025