Iowa to Host 2015 U.S. Women’s National Junior Olympic Championships

The 2015 U.S. Women’s National Junior Olympic Championships is heading to Des Moines, advice Iowa, May 15-16., USA Gymnastics have announced.

Held in the Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center, the championships showcases the country’s top Level 10 Junior Olympic gymnasts and is expected to attract nearly 500 gymnasts. Level 10 is the highest level in the Junior Olympic program, which is just under the elite level.  The Junior Olympic National Invitational Tournament is scheduled for May 17 and has an expected field of nearly 200 gymnasts. Based on available records, this is the first time the event has been staged in the state of Iowa.

“The Junior Olympic National Championships is the pinnacle of the women’s Level 10 season,” said Luan Peszek, vice president of women’s gymnastics for USA Gymnastics.  “Competing in this event is the highlight of most of these gymnasts’ careers, and fans and spectators will be treated to some great gymnastics during the three days.”

The Des Moines Area Sports Commission and Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute are the local organizations working with USA Gymnastics on staging the event.

“The city of Des Moines, along with the families at Chow’s Gymnastics and myself, is very excited and honored to host the 2015 U.S. Junior Olympic National Championships,” said Liang Chow of Chow’s Gymnastics, who coached Olympic gold medalists Shawn Johnson and Gabrielle Douglas.  “We will be busy over the next year planning a safe and successful event.  This event will bring the very best Level 10 gymnasts from all over the country to Des Moines.  I hope this great event will help many of these young athletes to continue competing at the collegiate level and for some of the athletes to become an elite gymnast and an Olympian in the future.”

“We are elated USA Gymnastics has selected Greater Des Moines as host of the Women’s National Junior Olympic Championships in 2015,” said Greg Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission. “With strong community support and outstanding facilities, our vibrant city will offer memorable experiences for the gymnasts and their families, coaches and fans.”