T
he 1990 year should be a great one for gymnastics events. The United States Gymnastics Federation has added two new events to its already hectic gymnastics schedule. The biggest event in 1990 is the Good will Games, however, there are many other important happenings such as the U.S. National Gymnastics Championships, the U.S. Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships and many, many more. This year nine major gymnastics events will be televised, reaching over a million viewers. Unfortunately, air dates have not been finalized by the networks but here's a preview of what's to come.
McDONALD'S AMERICAN CUP America plays host to the best gymnasts in the world March 3-4 when gymnasts from over 20 countries com-
pete in the McDonald ' s American Cup at George Mason University's Patriot Center, Fairfax, Va. The McDonald's American Cup competition features gymnasts from the United States, Soviet Union, East Germany, West Germany, Romania and Japan to name a few. It is the only multi-country event in the U.s. before the 1990 Goodwill Games. Designatedasa WorldCupqualifying meet, many world -class gymnasts are expected to partici pa te. "The McDonald's American Cup is the most prestigious international gymnastics competition, aside from the World Championships," said Mike Jacki, executive director of the USGF. "It has a great tradition and a long history of excitement. It has that magic which has made gymnastics the most popular Olympic sport." The American Cup was founded in 1976 as a special international event to celebrate the U.s. Bicentennial. It
Conrad Voorsanger hopes to pommel his way to a top place finish at the McDonald's American Cup.
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has been held every year since. In that very first year, those on hand at Madison Square Garden in New York City were introduced to a little pixie from Romania. Only 14 years old, she was unknown outside of her country. Americans were let in on a well kept secret during that first Cup, as a few months following the competition, Nadia Comaneci found world fame and the Olympic Gold. In the same year Nadia won that first American Cup, she scored an unprecedented seven 10's at the Montreal Olympics and made gymnastics history. The list of McDonald's American Cup winners is long and distinguished. It includes Bart Conner, Kurt Thomas, Mary Lou Retton, Kristie Phillips, Tim Daggett, Phoebe Mills and Brandy Johnson.
Johnson, would like to add her name to the list - for a second time. The U.S. will be represented by a strong contingent of gymnasts, led by Johnson. She will attempt to defend her title, which she won last year, against a very strong field . Joining her are World Championships teammates Sandy Woolsey from Tempe, Arizona's Desert Devils and Wendy Bruce from Brown's Gymnastics in Altamonte Springs, Fla. Junior National Champion Kim Zmeskal from Karolyi' s in Houston, Texas and her teammate, Erica Stokes, will also join the ranks at this prestigious competition as well as another top junior, Shannon Miller, from Dynamo Gy mnastics in Edmond, Okla. The U.S. men will be led by
USA GYMNASTICS March/April 1990
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