Ever since Olympian Nastia Liukin introduced her name-sake event 14 years ago, it has grown out to be a celebration of young gymnastics talent. From Haleigh Bryant and Mykayla Skinner to Gabby Douglas and numerous more, popular names have embraced the event, eventually highlighting its prestige. However, come 2024, keen enthusiasts have risen to hold contradicting opinions.

On the 25th of February, the International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky, welcomed the next generation of gymnastics talent. While exciting names announced their excellence, stemming from the venue, fans voiced disappointment with the factors surrounding the same.

Fans express concern over slipping prestige

The Nastia Luikin Cup has been the initial dream of thousands of young gymnastics enthusiasts. Hundreds of them take part in the series every year only for a few to make it to the ultimate event. “To finally be able to achieve this goal is an unmatched feeling,” one of the participants said. However, just as the excitement floated around, it wasn’t met with the expectations spectators and gymnasts held. “Can’t help but feel like the Nastia Cup has lost its prestige. For over a decade, this meet was held in huge arenas such as Madison Square Garden & aired on television,” one of the X users complained.

The eventual part of not having a commentator irked numerous more. One of the enthusiasts suggested that the commentator role might as well have been given to gymnastics enthusiasts. Even if it was for free, it would be acceptable for, the athletes competing deserved better; the post states.

Last year, the event was held at Freedom Hall which this year proved none the better for Winter Cup. “This looks like a training hall,” one had commented. Fans even raised concern over the poor commentary witnessed at the Winter Cup. However, while the fans continued to express disappointment over the lighting, narrow performance areas, and lack of broadcasters, they ensured to let their encouragement show for the competing stars.

Gymnastics stars see no lack of support

A total of 44 junior and senior gymnasts adorning level 10 competed at the Nastia Luikin Cup on the 25th. As these rising gymnastics talents took the stage, they witnessed a packed arena roaring in cheers for them. The numbers further extended to a nearly 50-thousand crowd catching up on the live on YouTube. In the midst of this, 17-year-old Elle Mueller and 16-year-old Ella Kate Parker claimed their respective senior and junior titles.

Also Read: Gymnastics Fans Outrightly Bash Commentators for ‘Jinxing’ the Winter Cup 2024

While the former posted a 39.175 for all-around, Parker put in 38.075 for a second consecutive title win. Management missteps or a gymnast’s, gymnastics enthusiasts gathered to stand up for their future stars in the making.

Continue Reading: Nastia Liukin Cup 2024: Meet Elle Mueller, the 18-Year-Old Senior Champion Dominating the Gymnastics World