The 2020 Tampa Bay Turners Invitational is coming up this weekend, and FloGymnastics has you covered with a live stream. This competition will take place Jan. 17-19, and with many exciting gymnasts on the floor, it’s one you won’t want to miss. 

This competition is a big meet for gymnasts who want to compete in the Nastia Liukin Cup, as the Tampa Bay Turners Invitational is a qualifier. The top level 10s from across the nation will compete for two spots that advance to the Nastia Liukin Cup, and you can see live on FloGymnastics who those spots will go to!

Friday, Jan. 17, FloGymnastics will live-stream one session of level 8 and 9 at 11:30 a.m. ET, as well as two level 9 sessions at 3 and 6 p.m. ET. On Saturday, the level 10s compete in three sessions at 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 3 p.m. ET. With so many incredible gymnasts competing at every level, here are five standout level 9 athletes who are sure to impress this weekend. 

1. Kalani Colendres

Competing for ACE Gymnastics, Kalani Colendres is in the running for first place in her division this weekend. This is her third season of level 9, and Colendres continues to improve each year. 

At her first meet this season, the Atlanta Crown Invitational, Colendres took second all-around with a score of 35.800. Last season she finished seventh all-around at the Tampa Bay Turners Invitational, and she returns this year with even more experience. This Florida native is all set to compete in her home state this weekend and is definitely one to watch. 

2. McKenna Doebert

Doebert is a first-year level 9 competitor, but beginner’s luck has little to do with her success. For Doebert, it’s all about skill, especially on beam, which is her strong suit. This athlete has the ability to place high on beam at this competition, and is one to keep an eye out for!

Competing for Southern Starz, Doebert started off her 2020 season with the Critique Classic, taking third all-around and on beam. Last season, she finished her level 8 career by taking fourth all-around and tying for third on beam at regionals.

3. Ella Isley

Competing her second year of level nine for U.S. Gold Gymnastics Academy, Ella Isley has a good chance of medaling on multiple events and possibly even all-around at this competition.

She ended last season by taking first on vault at regionals with a 9.550 and tying for third on floor with the same score. Those aren’t her only solid events, though. Isley placed first all-around at state with a 37.300, tied for first on beam with a 9.375, and tied for third on bars with a 9.525. If she can hit all four routines in one day, she just might take home the gold this weekend.

Competing in her home state, Isley is definitely one to watch not only at this meet, but as she grows as a competitor all season long. 

4. Elisa Sosa-Pesantes

Competing for Sun Country, this first-year level 9 is coming into a new level off of a strong level 8 finish. If her talent in level 8 is any predictor, she is likely to place this weekend. Sosa-Pesantes finished her level 8 season last year by taking second all-around with a 38.375, first on beam and floor with a 9.700 on each event, and third on vault with a 9.500. She did even better at state, taking first on vault, floor, and all-around with a 9.550, 9.625, and 38.275 respectively. She also took second on beam, scoring a 9.625. 

Sosa-Pesantes has a strong history at the Tampa Bay Turners Invitational. She swept the awards podium last year, tying for first on vault and taking first on beam, floor, and all-around. Although level 9 is a whole new level of competition, keep an eye out for Sosa-Pesantes, who is sure to prove herself this weekend. 

5. Kaitlyn Platz

As another first-year level 9, Kaitlyn Platz competes for Coast Elite Gymnastics Academy (CEGA). She competed level 8 for two seasons before this one, and finished her second season strong. 

Platz tied for eighth place all-around with a 35.825 at state in 2019. She also tied for eighth on vault, where she scored a 9.05, took eighth on beam with a 9.100, and sixth on bars with a 9.325. Her highest ever all-around score in her career is from level 7, where she scored a 37.800. Let’s see if she can match that score, or even improve on it, during her first level 9 season! 

You can watch all of these talented athletes and more on FloGymnastics during the entire Tampa Bay Turners Invitational.