Routines Not to Miss from the 2014 Secret U.S. Classic

Aug 5, 2014 by Marissa From Gymnastike

1. Simone Biles (Spring, Texas) - Floor 15.800

Huge world class tumbling demonstrated here by Simone Biles once again. Although this is her first meet back since the 2013 World Championships, her endurance and fitness levels are remarkable making her tumbling look like a walk in the park. She’s really learned to nail down those landings by avoiding steps or low chest and squat landings giving away very minimal deductions. Her music is unique, one clearly identifiable and memorable along with her massive tumbling. Incredible comeback from almost a year off competition and questionable return after pulling out of Pac Rims and American Cup earlier in the year.
Watch her huge scoring routine here.

2. Kyla Ross (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) - Balance Beam 15.250

Kyla matures more and more each meet. She’s incredibly consistent and reliable. She had some nice connections with a few balance checks, but a fab dismount. She’s definitely growing into a solid world-class senior with difficulty as well as consistancy which is key. Here's her winning routine from the weekend.

3. Ashton Locklear (Hamlet, N.C.) - Uneven Bars 15.700

Ashton performed a nice routine with some great connections. Stoop full into stoop shaposh, straight into pak, then straight into toe-on shaposh, bail is a huge bonus connection. She swings lightly and with ease with only small deductions on form. Take a look at her routine here. Her overall performance is very clean, definitely worth a 15.7.

4. Norah Flatley (Cumming, Iowa) - Balance Beam 15.100

Norah has a beautiful opening connection - back handspring step out, back handspring to two feet, layout to two feet. She showed great height and rotation in the flight. She has a nice balance of flexibility and power with good rhythm. It was overall a solid performance. Her style is a pleasant reminder of Shawn Johnson, but with extra flexibility. Check it out here.

5. Ragan Smith (Lewisville, Texas) - Floor 14.350

Ragan opens up nicely with a huge 1 1/2 walk out into triple full pass. There are a few stumbles on landings where she needs to find the floor a little better - this will come with practice and experience. The routine is nicely choreographed and fun, she’s definitely one to look out for in the upcoming future. Watch it here.

6. Nia Dennis (Westerville, Ohio) - Uneven Bars 14.450

Nia has a nice routine with a huge tkatchev into pak salto. She swings powerfully with good endurance throughout the routine. She definitely has room to add more difficulty in the future. Watch Nia's routine here.