American Cup (gymnastics)

The American Cup is an annual invitational elite gymnastics competition held in the United States. It typically features a single all-around competition for both male and female gymnasts, showcasing some of the top international talent. The event is sanctioned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).

The American Cup has a long history, dating back to the 1970s, and has been held in various cities across the United States. It is considered a prestigious event and provides a platform for gymnasts to gain international experience and recognition. Participation is generally by invitation, with countries selecting their representatives based on performance and potential.

The competition format usually involves a single session for each gender, where gymnasts perform on all apparatus (for men: floor exercise, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar; for women: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise). The gymnast with the highest cumulative score across all apparatus is declared the winner.

The American Cup serves as an important preparatory event for major international competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympic Games, offering gymnasts a chance to test their routines and compete against top-level athletes in a high-pressure environment. The event attracts significant media coverage and fan interest, contributing to the promotion of gymnastics in the United States. The specific location and dates of the American Cup vary each year.