Last week, gymnast Sunisa Lee considered the possibility of two Minnesota women making the U.S. team for the world championships. It might catch some people by surprise, she said, because the state isn't known as a major producer of world-class gymnasts.
That could change, thanks to Lee, of St. Paul, and Grace McCallum of Isanti. Both of them were named Monday to the six-woman team that will represent the U.S. at next month's world championships in Stuttgart, Germany. McCallum is a returnee from last year's roster, which won team gold, while Lee is a newcomer to the world team and its youngest member at age 16.
Multiple Olympic and world champion Simone Biles earned the lone automatic roster spot by winning the all-around competition Sunday at a three-day team selection camp. The five other members were chosen by committee at the conclusion of the camp in Sarasota, Fla.
Lee finished second in Sunday's competition, only .35 of a point behind Biles. McCallum, 16, was sixth.
"This has been one of my biggest goals for the longest time," Lee said. "It's just so crazy for it to actually come true. I'm so happy, and I'm so excited to be competing with Grace. She's amazing, and she's a good friend."
In addition to Biles, Lee and McCallum, other members of the team are Jade Carey of Phoenix; Kara Eaker of Grain Valley, Mo.; and MyKayla Skinner of Gilbert, Ariz. Morgan Hurd of Middletown, Del., and Leanne Wong of Overland Park, Kan., are the non-traveling alternates.
Gophers junior Shane Wiskus of Spring Park will compete for the U.S. men's team.
Lee, who trains at Midwest Gymnastics Center in Little Canada, also was runner-up to Biles in the all-around at last month's U.S. championships. McCallum, who trains at Twin City Twisters in Champlin, was third.
