TAMPA, Fla. – It was a strong performance in the state where she’ll soon be starting her freshman year.
Incoming Gator freshman Kayla DiCello is tied for third after the opening day at the 2022 OOFOS U.S. Gymnastics Championships held in the Amalie Arena.
DiCello was solid throughout the evening, with her balance beam score (13.80) standing second after day one. Other opening day standings include fourth on uneven bars (14.10) and fifth on floor exercise (13.85).
Rising Gator sophomore Leanne Wong pulled out at the midway point of the meet after competing on balance beam. She will be evaluated by doctors after tonight’s competition.
Friday’s competition was Wong’s second elite meet since she completed her freshman season with the Gators in April. She won the U.S. Classic all-around late last month. Tonight she opened the meet with a strong uneven bars performance, hitting the Bhardwaj addition in her uneven bars routine.
Wong was among three in the U.S. Championships tonight who competed in the 2022 NCAA Championships. Wong, Jordan Chiles (UCLA) are among only nine since 2000 who competed at the NCAA Championships and then the U.S. Championships in the same year.
Kayla DiCello Friday Scores:
Vault
14.20
Bars
14.10
4
Beam
13.80
2
Floor
13.85
5
All-Around
55.95
4
Leanne Wong Friday Scores:
Vault
Bars
14.20
3
Beam
13.15
T11
Floor
All-Around
Complete opening day results<https://usagym.org/PDFs/Results/2022/w_22champs_sr_1.pdf>
A part of the Team USA Champions Series, the U.S. Championships determines the women’s U.S. champions and U.S. National Team. The U.S. Championships is also part of the selection process for the U.S. Team for the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, in October.
Be There:
Gators Gymnastics fans can take advantage of a special USA Championships ticket offer. Unlock ticket savings with passcode GATORSGYM as you shop for single-session tickets.
Look for the UNLOCK button next to the seating map.
U.S. Gymnastics Championships Tickets<https://www.amaliearena.com/events/detail/gymnastics-2022>
How to Watch:
2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships airs live:
Aug. 21, 7-9 p.m. ET – Women – NBC (Gainesville/Ocala Cox Cable 9)