The Key to Victory
Kim Zmeskal-Burdette
Click to see Bailie's interview with Fox News Houston
“It’s a phenomenal accomplishment and a testament to her potential”
Key claims victory at P&G Championships, follows up big in Japan
In the United States, the highest level of competition is Elite and the biggest National meet is P&G Championships. There are two age brackets, Junior (under 15) and Senior (16+). The top placing gymnasts at this meet comprise our country's National Team and compete internationally, representing the USA.
This month, 14-year old Bailie Key won the All-Around in the Junior age bracket (under 15) and also won the gold on floor and beam. Her placement secured her spot on the US National Team and she was selected to represent Team USA at a competition in Yokohama, Japan.
The Junior Japan competition brought many of the world's top gymnasts from countries like Romania, Russia, Great Britain, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and Canada. On day one of competition, Bailie won the All-Around, finishing 1.5 points ahead of the second-place finisher. On day two, at event finals, Bailie swept all four event titles, winning gold on Vault, Bars, Beam, and Floor.
"What she was able to accomplish on a National scale was an incredible highlight in her career as an Elite gymnast and a huge reward for all she has committed and worked for thus far," said coach Kim Zmeskal-Burdette. "What she accomplished in Japan was another big leap forwards on the playing field that she aspires to compete on. We have never had an Elite athlete sweep the All-Around and all four events. It's a phenomenal accomplishment and a testament to her potential."
Bailie has been selected to compete for Team USA once again in November at a competition in Acapulco, Mexico.
(Click to read USA Gymnastics coverage day one and day two)
(Click above image for interview with Bailie and Kim)