Ragan Smith named to US Olympic Team

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Ragan Smith of Lewisville, Texas was one of eight athletes named to the United States women’s gymnastics team for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio di Janeiro, Brazil.

Smith, who hit all eight of her routines between the two days of competition at the U.S. Olympic Trials in San Jose, Calif., finished fifth in the all-around and second on balance beam, where her scores of 14.9 on day one and 15.3 on day two are among the highest in the world.

Following a period of deliberation after Sunday night’s competition, national team coordinator Martha Karolyi led the selection committee in choosing the Olympic team, a decision she called the most difficult of her career thanks to Team USA’s massive depth at the moment.

Ten-time world champion Simone Biles, 2012 Olympic gold medalists Aly Raisman and Simone Biles, 2015 world bars champion Madison Kocian, and newcomer Laurie Hernandez are the five set to compete in Rio next month while Smith will serve as a reserve athlete alongside Ashton Locklear and MyKayla Skinner. Smith, who is coached by Kim Zmeskal-Burdette and Chris Burdette at Texas Dreams Gymnastics in Coppell, is the youngest member of the squad and will turn 16 during the Olympic competition in Rio.

Smith, the first gymnast from Texas Dreams to make an Olympic team, will travel to the Olympic Training Center in Huntsville, Texas next week to train alongside the team prior to departing for Rio. As a reserve athlete, she will be expected to stay in peak competition shape until the start of the Games, ready to step in at a moment’s notice in case one of the five is injured or otherwise unable to compete.

The 2016 season was Smith’s first at the senior level, and her results have consistently put her among the top in the country both at home and in international competition. In addition to her finish this weekend, Smith won silver medals on beam and floor at the City of Jesolo Trophy in Italy and the gold medal on beam at the Pacific Rim Championships in Everett, Wash.

Two weeks ago, Smith secured her spot at the Olympic Trials with an eighth-place finish at the U.S. national championships in St. Louis, where her teammates Colbi Flori and Emma Malabuyo also competed. Flori had a fantastic weekend, finishing eighth all-around in the junior division while Malabuyo withdrew to prevent injury, though was named to the junior U.S. national team based on her strong results from earlier in the season.

As a special honor while in St. Louis, USA Gymnastics named Texas Dreams as the 2016 Junior Olympic Program of the Year for the gym’s continued success as one of the best clubs in the country for gymnasts competing in the J.O. system. Texas Dreams has seen success in all levels of the J.O. program this season, including sending nine gymnasts to the J.O. national championships in May. 

"Cheers" to Bailie

14 months… 8 for 8 all-around golds for Bailie Key!

Not bad. (-:  Now what?  Applaud this stellar junior international elite career.  As of January 1st, Bailie will officially be eligible to compete in the senior ranks of this small company of amazing gymnasts.  Throughout the past couple weeks, it has been challenging to settle on our decision.  But in the end, with the 100% undeviating advice and support of those we trust and respect the most, together with Bailie, we decided it best that she forego this year’s Championships.  Letting her safety along with "big picture" goals guide us, it became an obvious decision, although not an easy one.  

After another successful camp in July, Bailie was preparing well once again. However at first complaint, Bailie had her elbow examined by the best and reevaluated by our most-trusted.  Luckily, without structural damage, a quick surgery with a short recovery was the best option.  In one way, it can be looked at as poor timing.  But I wouldn’t trade any of the opportunities Bailie has stepped up to for this one.  Each has allowed her to overcome different challenges and showcase new strengths, seven of which were on an international stage.   So, instead of fretting over this missed Championships, we choose to quickly turn the page, redirect to the next goals, and allow her to take a much-deserved breath before starting this next chapter of her career.  

Our hope right now is that those with voices in the gymnastics community will choose to “cheers” Bailie with us and realize that it is never easy to stand back and watch a competition of which you have worked to shine.  We are so proud of Bailie and her ownership of her path!  While, selfishly, we are not thrilled to travel to Pittsburgh without her, we are confident with this decision being best for the future dreams she’s working to make her reality.

Prime in every sense of the word

The Texas Prime Meet 2014 was chocked full of talented gymnasts, passionate coaches, and gymnastics that rocked the Irving Convention Center for 3-days.  I am continuously inspired by the commitment that so many athletes, coaches, and parents make to see their gymnastics dreams through to glory.  I was so fulfilled watching so many gymnasts dial into their competitive spirit, but embrace the fun, exciting part of the sport as well.  It was one of our best competitions ever.  

The Legendz Classic on Saturday night was no exception to that fulfillment and excitement.  With DJ Jenn Miller pumping music that we could feel in every seat, Chris Koehl's incredible dance numbers, rock solid gymnastics from uber-competitive all-stars, and the four Legendz Captains that were as entertaining to listen to as to watch in their element... it was a grand show.  Special thanks to Mary Lou Retton, Anna Li, Kristie Phillips, and Brandy Johnson for making the commitment to be part of our show and for continuing to be such terrific ambassadors to our sport and our athletes.  You were all terrific.  

2015 will be the cliche'... "bigger and better", but it will also bring more new Legendz, more cutting edge entertainment, and new champions.  I hope you're a part of it.  We sold out on Saturday night and the Prime filled early, so please be sure to reserve your spot and your tickets early.  I'll see you then.

Kim Zmeskal-Burdette