HARTFORD— After a four-year hiatus, the GK U.S. Classic will return to Hartford and the XL Center on May 23. The event, which features athletes competing on the junior and senior levels, is the last opportunity for female gymnasts to qualify for the U.S. Championships, the national championships for men’s and women’s gymnastics. It was last held in Hartford as part of the lead up to the 2016 Olympic Games.





The GK U.S. Classic f. Gymnasts who have already qualified for the Nationals use the GK U.S. Classic as a final tune-up for the U.S. Championships (June 4-7, Fort Worth, Tex.). In addition, the GK Hopes Championships, featuring young, aspiring female gymnasts who are just below the elite level, is slated for Friday, May 22.





“In the Olympic year, the GK U.S. Classic takes on greater importance,” said Annie Heffernon, vice president for women’s gymnastics. “It is a great opportunity for fans to see many of the gymnasts who have their sights on 2020 and the Olympic Games, especially the juniors who will turn 16 in 2020, in the lead up to the U.S. Championships and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.”





The competition schedule as currently slated, will be: GK U.S. Classic – May 23 at 1 p.m. for juniors and 6:30 p.m. for seniors; and GK Hopes Championships, May 22 at 2:30 p.m. All times are Eastern and subject to change.





Set for Friday, May 22, the GK Hopes Championships represent the culmination of the Hopes season. The tournament has two age groups—10-11 and 12-13-year-olds. The top 18 from each age group, assuming each athlete achieves a minimum qualifying score, advance to the GK Hopes Championships from the Hopes Classic.





All session ticket packages for the GK U.S. Classic and the GK Hopes Championships will go on sale on Feb. 11, and range from $79-$199, plus applicable fees. An all-session ticket includes both the junior and senior sessions for the GK U.S. Classic on May 23, as well as the GK Hopes Championships on May 22. Tickets may be purchased at the XL Center box office or XLCenter.com . For information on club sales or group tickets, call XL Center Group Sales at (860) 548-2000. Discounted tickets are available through local gymnastics clubs that are participating in the club ticket sales program.





Past senior Classic all-around champions include Simone Biles, 2018, 2014-15; Olivia Courtney, 2009; Mattie Larson, 2010; Ashley Priess, 2006; Aly Raisman, 2016, 2011-12; Kyla Ross, 2013; Alyona Shchennikova, 2017; Bridget Sloan, 2007; and Ashley Stott, 2008. Previous sites include Louisville, Ky., 2019; Columbus, Ohio, 2018; Hoffman Estates, 2017, 2013-15; Hartford, Conn., 2016; Chicago, 2010-12; Des Moines, Iowa, 2009; Houston, 2008; Battle Creek, Mich., 2007; Kansas City, Mo., 2006; Virginia Beach, Va., 2005; and Ontario, Calif., 2004.





. For more information, visit GK Gymnastics, an Elite Sportswear brand committed to American-made excellence and innovation, is the global leader in the gymnastics apparel industry and is recognized around the world for superior variety, quality, fit and service. GK currently offers a wide variety of women’s and men’s gymnastics apparel, including signature collections designed by 2016 Olympians Simone Biles and Laurie Hernandez. In addition to being distributed worldwide, GK products have been worn by international Olympians and World champions for over 35 years and is proud to be the official U.S. National Team competition and training apparel sponsor for USA GymnasticsFor more information, visit www.gkelite.com

—Staff Reports