update: 16-MAR-2002

Pottsville/USA

FRIENDSHIP CLASSIC 2002

Pottsville, March 23-24

- by Pottsville Gymnastic Training Center

  Ten countries participated in the 2002 Friendship Classic held in Pottsville, PA USA. Australia dominated the all around, with Alexandra Croak (2000 Olympian) and Melissa Munro both capturing first in their age divisions. 


The Netherlands Gabriella Wammes (two falls on beam) and Laura van Leeuwen finished second and third, respectively in the senior division.

Russian junior national teammember Oksana Vitkova - making her fifth trip to Pottsville- was second in the juniors followed by Michelle Stout of Southern Tier USA. Mexico's Brenda Magana- who missed her triple flyaway off bars- won floor (and the hearts of the audience) with a 9.35. Another crowd favorite was 2000 Olympian Holly Murdock who finished second on beam. 

<<Photo (C) Courtesy Pottsville Gymnastic Training Center)
1. Alexandra Croak
2. Gabriella Wammes
3. Laura van Leeuwen

On Monday, March 25, after the competition, all international competitors went to New York City including a visit to Ground Zero- site of the World Trade Center attacks.

Photo>>
Oksana Vitkova, the Russion junior, very impressed.
In the background, Ground Zero

For more information on the Friendship Classic (including the trip to New York City) , visit their website at www.friendshipclassic.org 

RESULTS:
Seniors:

1. Alexandra Croak (AUS) - 36.075 (9.175, 9.00, 8.950, 8.950)
2. Gabriella Wammes (NED) - 34.725 (8.800, 9.050, 7.700, 9.175)
3. Laura Van Leeuwen (NED) - 34.525 (9.050, 9.175, 8.500, 7.800)

Juniors:
1. Melissa Munro (AUS) - 33.350 (8.900, 7.900, 8.550, 8.000)
2. Oksana Vitkova (RUS) - 33.075 (8.575, 7.900, 8.250, 8.350)
3. Michelle Stout (USA's Southern Tier) - 30.950 (8.450, 7.700, 7.200,7.600)

Remembering Pottsville Classic 2000/2001

Friendship Classic 2003      Next: Friendship Classics 2004

(Source: Courtesy Pottsville Gymnastic Training Center)

(gymmedia)

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