Tampa Bay Flips For USA Gymnastics

By Joey Johnston

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Gymnastics is a fast sport. There’s a lot going on at once, almost an assault on your senses. So how do you judge the four-day run of the OOFOS U.S. Gymnastics Championships at Amalie Arena?

It was definitely up to speed. 

And its traction probably set a record for smiles per hour.

“I saw happiness,’’ USA Gymnastics president and CEO Li Li Leung said. “I saw fun. I saw energy in the arena. I saw a great experience for our athletes. I thought it went tremendously well.

“This is a warm and welcoming area. We had spectacular partners with the city and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. This is one we will remember.’’

The event was notable for the machine-like precision of Brody Malone, who repeated as the men’s all-around champion and stamped himself as a major contender for the 2024 Paris Olympics. It showcased 17-year-old Konnor McClain, the surprise women’s all-around winner who radiated joy and hope by finally finding firm footing after the death of her father last December.

From a business standpoint, it was a milestone event for USA Gymnastics, which secured its first title sponsor since 2017 while introducing a new logo as part of its rebranding campaign, which Leung termed as tangible evidence that the organization is full steam ahead toward establishing a bright future.

Those are the obvious moments, the ones captured by NBC’s cameras, the policies enacted in boardrooms that will resonate for the next decade or so.

At Amalie Arena, it was a romp through the sport’s grassroots. The “Flip Zone’’ was active on Thunder Alley with kids of all shapes and sizes learning about fitness, balance and teamwork. Inside, there were banners saluting favorite gymnasts, selfies galore when those athletes wandered over after they were done and long lines to secure autographs from the elite legend and the University of Florida team.

It was the first time the U.S. Gymnastics Championships were staged in the Southeast since 2004 and only its second visit to Florida (Jacksonville, 1985).

“It was truly a special four days,’’ Tampa Bay Sports Commission executive director Rob Higgins said. “This event gave our community’s kids a chance to be inspired, but also an opportunity to dream in really unique and profound ways. It was so long overdue to be here and we’re thrilled with how it turned out.

“I saw something special on the faces of our kids. They loved this. It was a chance for us to build a different audience and expose our community to a different event, while showcasing a really incredible sport at the highest level. Whether you were a veteran of this event or a first-timer, I think you were thoroughly entertained.’’

Leung said she believes in showcasing USA Gymnastics events to all parts of the country and said Tampa could be a future site.

“We haven’t really seen many — or any — places with this level of hospitality,’’ Leung said. “As far as working with the City of Tampa and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission … you guys know what you’re doing. Our experience has been a total smooth operation and lots of great memories.’’

Some of those memories included familiar faces, but also a contingent of new stars, such as McClain.

“I will probably remember my experience in Tampa forever,’’ McClain said. “It’s a great arena and a great city. I couldn’t be happier with this event. It was perfect.’’