Everything You Need to Know For the 2018 US National Championships

Regardless of if you are a competitive gymnast, a recreational gymnast, or a fan you won't want to miss this weekend's gymnastics event.  The 2018 US Elite National Championships are just around the corner.  The best gymnasts in the United States will be competing for a shot on the National Team.  In addition, this meet serves as a launching point for making the 2018 World Team and the half way mark to the 2020 Olympic Games held in Tokyo.  

There are currently 23 women planning to compete in the senior session.  The field include many of the best gymnasts in the world. 

Gymnasts to watch:

• Simone Biles -  2016 Olympic Gold Medalist in Team, All Around, Vault and Floor. US National Champion from 2013-2016. 3 time World All Around Champion.
• Morgan Hurd - 2017 World All Around Champion and Silver medalist on beam.
• Ragan Smith - 2017 National All Around Champion.  2016 Olympic Team Alternate.
• Jade Carey - 2017 World Silver Medalist on Vault and Floor Exercise.  
• Kara Eaker - 2017 US Junior National Championships Bronze Medalist in the All Around. 

When:

• Thursday, August 16: Men’s gymnastics — 12:30 p.m., juniors, and 6:30 p.m., seniors
• Friday, August 17: Women’s gymnastics — 12:30 p.m., juniors, and 6:30 p.m., seniors
• Saturday, August 18: Men’s gymnastics – 9:30 a.m., juniors, and 2:30 p.m., seniors
• Sunday, August 19: Women’s gymnastics – 12:30 p.m., juniors, and 6:30 p.m., seniors

Where:

TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

TV Schedule:

Aug. 16 – Men’s gymnastics, 6:30 p.m, NBCSN – LIVE

How does the scoring work?

The Elite scoring equation is a combination of two scores.

• The Difficulty (D) Score - Each skill in gymnastics is given a value in Elite gymnastics.  The more difficult the skill, the higher the value.  The D score is configured by adding the values together.  The higher the difficulty the higher the score.  
• The Execution (E) Score  - This score is the more traditional gymnastics score.  Gymnasts start at 10.0 and the judges deduct points for errors in form, falls, wobbles, hops, and steps.  
• These two scores are then added together to give the gymnast their final score.