Flohr, Kelley Added to American Cup

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The U.S. added two gymnasts, Bianca Flohr and Natasha Kelley, to its women's lineup at the American Cup, which starts Friday in Jacksonville, Fla.

Flohr and Kelley will join Jana Bieger, Shawn Johnson and Samantha Peszek in Florida. Ashley Priess, who had originally been selected to compete, was bumped from the lineup Sunday following an intrasquad competition in Houston. Priess finished sixth behind Johnson, Flohr, Bieger, Kelley and Peszek.

"We knew coming in Ashley wasn't completely ready," said Mary Lee Tracy, who coaches both Flohr and Priess. "She had a back injury that set her back about four weeks. Ash has added some new skills that needed more time."

Though five Americans will compete in the qualification, only two are eligible to advance to Saturday's final.

It is the second American Cup for the 16-year-old Flohr, who finished third all-around in the qualification at last year's competition in Philadelphia but was unable to advance because of the two-per-country rule.

It would have been the first American Cup for Priess, who turns 17 on March 8. She finished 10th all-around at the 2006 World Championships.

"Although we are disappointed we accept the decision," Tracy said. "If Ashley needed to be replaced, she is happy it is with Bianca!"