Everything is pink inside the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville—the screens, the trophy, the buffet at a neighboring hotel, the host’s outfit and, of course, the gymnasts’ leotards. The stage is set for the 14th Nastia Liukin Cup.
For the 22 senior qualifiers, the pink glitz and glamor that comes with the Cup is part of its attraction. Oklahoma commits Lily Pederson and Ella Murphy, a five- and a four-star recruit in the classes of 2024 and 2025 respectively, are among those who look forward to the pink funkiness of the event. Pederson is thrilled about “all the fun gear and pretty leotards,” while Murphy is “very excited to wear all of the pink things.” “Pink is my favorite color,” she added.
Michigan signee Jahzara Swaby-Ranger, a four-star recruit who competed at last year’s Cup, similarly remembers the pink extravaganza as one of the most striking features of the event. “My fondest memory was probably on competition day seeing everyone so excited to be competing in the pretty pink leos,” she said. “We all knew how difficult it was getting there, and it was refreshing being able to just stay in the moment and enjoy the experience.”
Qualifying to the Nastia Liukin Cup is difficult, indeed. Hundreds of gymnasts…
