The 2021 National Championship for Gymnastics was exciting and fans saw some things that have never happened before. What did you miss?
The National Championship took place on April 16-17, 2021. This tournament, just as all other have, took place on a Friday and Saturday. However, this time, the committee looked deeper into the reason for the way the tournament has been set up.
Both the regional and national rounds of the championship require these student athletes to perform on back-to-back days and give it their all. People began to notice the slightest fall off on the second day in the performance of the gymnasts.
As a result, the committee got together and decided that they would add an extra day to both regional and national championship rounds. This was something never done before and was encouraged because it gives the athletes time to recover from pushing themselves to the limit just the day before.
Instead of taking place on Friday and Saturday, the championship will take place on Thursday and Saturday. Friday will be utilized as a rest day to regain strength and to prepare for the next competition(s). This rule was observed and changed in 2021 but won't be put into practice until the 2022 season.
During the 2021 championship, a new victor took the throne. Michigan won their first National Championship ever. Not only was it an incredible feat, but they also took the 1st place position after the first round and maintained it throughout the entire tournament.
They broke the program best with a total score of 198.2500. The team and coaches were incredibly excited about their success, going to celebrate in Ann Arbor after they returned.
The team thought, throughout the tournament, that they would come out on top. They had a new determination and had decided to put their foot down and win one. The team practiced hard for this result and they got out exactly what they put in. Team efforts were not the only performance of significance.
This year's All-Around Women's champion was Anastasia Webb. Webb competes for Oklahoma, a senior at the school during her award. Her all around career high rounds out to a 39.850 in the 2021 season. It's an incredibly impressive personal best. During her 2021 season, she performed flawlessly on the beam, ending her routine with a 100% hit rate.
She finished first in vault out of all other women in the nation. She's been ranking in the top 5 in the nation for certain routines since she was a freshman in 2018. Looking at her past, one could say it would only be a matter of time before she reached an achievement such as this.
Gymnastics in 2021 provided its fans with some incredible firsts. Michigan's first national championship rocked the community and the athletes can be very grateful for the extra day they get to recover, though some may not be as happy. Anastasia Webb pulled to the top this season as well, getting her national recognition.
The 2022 season should be just as interesting, if not more. It will be a good test to see how the new rule is implemented and the response to the athletes. Ensure that you watch these wonderful women athletes to find out.
