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| What: |
2005 American Cup |
| When: |
February 26, 2005 - 2:30 p.m. |
| Where:: |
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum |
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Over 70 of the world’s greatest gymnasts from 27 nations came to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on February 25th and 26th to compete in the 2005 American Cup presented by T.J. Maxx. This was the 30th American Cup--an International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) World Cup competition that follows an event finals-only format. The top eight gymnasts from the preliminary rounds on the 25th advanced to the finals on the 26th. Despite their youth, the U.S. team had an impressive performance winning nine medals, four of which were gold. The U.S. swept the first two places of the women’s vault with 2004 World Cup Champion Alicia Sacramone of Massachusetts scoring a 9.387 to barely edge out her teammate Melanie Senclair (9.349). Despite a left foot injury last season, defending uneven bars world champion Chellsie Memmel of Wisconsin won the uneven bars with a score of 9.600. In addition to competing for the $46,000 in prize money, the gymnasts earned points to qualify for the bi-annual World Cup Final.
From 1976 through 2004, the American Cup served as the most prestigious international all-around competition on the gymnastics calendar. The event launched the international careers of many world-class competitors, such as Bart Conner, Kurt Thomas, Mary Lou Retton, Peter Vidmar, Shannon Miller, Blaine Wilson, Kerri Strug and Carly Patterson.
The American Cup enjoyed a five-year run at New York’s Madison Square Garden from the inception of the event in 1976 through 1980, and returned to MSG in 1981-1984 and 2004. 2005 marks the first time the event has been held at Nassau Coliseum.
Tickets for the American Cup on Feb. 26 went on sale December 20th and were available through www.ticketmaster.com, by calling (631) 888-9000 or (212) 307-7171, by visiting the Nassau Coliseum box office, or through local gymnastics clubs listed at www.usa-gymnastics.org.
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