All you need to know about the Nastia Cup.

Lately, I've been getting a lot of questions regarding the Nastia Cup. So I decided to enlighten you all on this top notch level 10 competition!

What is it?

The Nastia Cup is what I like to call the Olympics for level 10 gymnasts. It's a chance for them to compete against some of the top level 10's in the country, on a stage that's much bigger than they're use to. Having the opportunity to compete on a podium. in front of a TV camera, and in front of the national team staff is huge for a  level 10!

History of the event.

The Nastia Cup started in 2010 and was called the Supergirl Cup in it's inaugural year. In 2011, the name of the competition changed to simply the Nastia Cup. The meet uses the "perfect 10" scoring system, which is used in level 10 competition. The Nastia Cup is held the day before the American Cup and it's in the same arena. The meet has been shown on the Universal Sports Network for the past 3 years.

Who competes there?

The Nastia Cup is considered "open" which means level 10 and elite gymnasts who are not on the national team can compete there. To qualify to the Nastia Cup you must compete in a invitational that is apart of the "Nastia Liukin Cup Series" and place 1st all around. The winner of the junior and senior category of every invitational qualify's to the Nastia Cup. Many gymnasts who once competed in the Nastia Cup have gone on to become great things. The winner of the first ever Nastia Cup was Lexie Priessman, who is the current junior national champion. Gabby Douglas placed 4th all around that same year and went on to win the all around gold at the 2012 Olympics. This competition is a great place to find young talent.

2013 Nastia Liukin Cup Series.


Circle of Stars Gymnastics Invitational, Indianapolis, Ind., Jan. 11-13
The Atlanta Crown Invitational, Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 11-13
Pikes Peak Cup, Colorado Springs, Colo., Jan. 18-20
CGA Coaches Spectacular, Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. 18-20
Kim Zmeskal's Texas Prime Meet, Irving, Texas, Jan. 18-20
Lady Luck Invitational, Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 18-20
Sand Dollar/Whitlow Invitational, Kissimmee, Fla., Jan. 25-27
Wisconsin Dells Gymnastics Vacation Classic, Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Jan. 25-27
Parkettes Invitational, Allentown, Pa., Jan. 25-27
San Diego Classic, San Diego, Calif., Jan. 25-27
Fiesta Bowl Invitational, Chandler, Ariz., Feb. 8-10
Charity Choice Invitational, Tacoma, Wash., Feb. 8-10
IGI Chicago Style, Chicago, Ill., Feb. 8-10
Gliders Invitational, Ontario, Calif., Feb. 8-9
The Magical Classic, Orlando, Fla., Feb. 15-16
Buckeye Classic, Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 15-17
Presidential Classic, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Feb. 15-17
WOGA Classic, Frisco, Texas, Feb. 15-17
Arizona Sunrays Classic Rock Invitational, Phoenix, Ariz., Feb. 15-17

You can watch the full version of last year's cup below.  

         

Written by: Ashlee