Minneapolis is Jam-packed with Gymnasts!

Article and photos by Becky Fillinger

In addition to the Olympic Gymnastics teams being selected, there is also competition this week for Gym Champs. Over 2000 gymnasts from just about every state are vying for titles in Rhythmic Gymnastics, Acrobatic Gymnastics and Trampoline and Tumbling. I spoke to Holden Steed, Head Coach at Northern Star Bounders Power Tumbling Club in Ogden, UT.

Above, Coach Holden gives Northern Power Bounders team members last minute instructions pre-competition; below, post-competition smiles.

Steed spoke of the high expectations for all of the gymnasts: “This is the national championships – we’ll name our national champions, our national teams all the way from development teams to senior nationals, and of course the Olympic Teams as well.” He spoke of the younger gymnasts in his care: “We bring the little ones here, allow them to have positive experiences, build confidence and learn life lessons. Hopefully they’ll stay with the sport for a long time and possibly become World and Olympic champions!”

Find the full schedule here. #GymnasticsCity2024 #USAGymChamps

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Items of note that are part of this event in Minneapolis:

This is the first time Minneapolis will host the Olympic Trials in gymnastics, which will take place at Target Center from Thursday, June 27, through Sunday, June 30. As Gymnastics City USA, Minneapolis is also hosting the USA Gymnastics Championships, the USAG National Congress and Trade Show, and the USA Gymnastics for All Gymfest. 

During the Olympic Trials, fans will be able to experience the ambience of Paris at Promenade Du Nord, a street fair and upscale market with entertainment, music, food and fun. The market will feature more than 60 local vendors selling a variety of goods from clothing to sweet treats to home décor. There will be a series of performances by artistic gymnastics from Sweden and Minnesota’s own Circus Juventas.

For kids to jump, leap, climb and test out their gymnastics skills, Flip Zone presented by Target at Target Plaza will have gymnastics demonstrations on a variety of equipment like bars and rings, as well as a parkour course and even a 20-foot free fall into a big airbag. Flip Zone will feature DJs and special guests who will perform on a large stage while gymnastics clubs show off their skills.