These three countries are the superpowers of the sport of gymnastics. At the 1996 Olympic Games for women, the USA won the team gold, Russia was second and China was fourth. For the men, Russia took first, China was second, and the USA took fifth. In addition, China's Li Xiaoshuang won the all-around title. The event will be the first of its type, showcasing both junior and senior athletes on an actual Olympic-style podium.
Podium provide important training for the future.
Fans will get an early glimpse of what is to come for the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. To be able to compete with the best in the world in your own background is an amazing advantage to our gymnasts. The USA gymnasts will gain a great deal of experience and expertise by competing in the International Team Championships. Mary Lee Tracy, the USA Women's Assistant Coach at the Olympic Games, is also a native of Ohio. She owns and coaches at Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy in Greater Cincinnati.