KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The nation's best gymnasts battled it out at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Kansas City this past week.
From Olympian Simone Biles to three gymnasts from GAGE Gymnasts in Blue Springs, athletes brought their best to the floor of the Sprint Center.
Families and young aspiring athletes packed the center and the surrounding area to get a glimpse at greatness.
"This is so exciting. Who did you get to see the other day... Simone Biles," Tracy Montes, who took her daughter and friends to the event said.
The U.S. Gymnastics Championships put Kansas City in the spotlight. The organization told 41 Action News that they set a record in Kansas City – the most attended championship in history.
More than 12,000 people gathered to cheer on the athletes on Sunday alone. The championships saw a total of 33,894 visitors for all of the events.
"For us, every day to speak to the people of USA Gymnastics and understand the U.S. Gymnastics Championships have been pacing beyond any other city is that pinch me moment again," Kathy Nelson with the Kansas City Sports Commission said.
She said she believes the event shows the U.S. Olympic Committee that Kansas City can handle any sport.
"Proving that we can host it and host it well just continues to have that ripple effect of now what else, what's next?" Nelson said.
Those in attendance on Sunday got to watch Simone Biles claim her sixth national all-around title and pull some impressive moves never seen in competition before.
"This is her idol and made her more excited to try things in the gym," Montes said about her daughter.
Kansas City gymnasts Leanne Wong and Kara Eaker were named to the Senior Women's National Team after the competition, giving fans another reason to celebrate.
