Six-time World medalist, 2008 Olympic silver-medalist Memmel joins cast for 2012 Kellogg's Tour of Champions

Chellsie Memmel

INDIANAPOLIS, June 5, 2012 – Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., who was the first U.S. woman to win the World all-around title after an 11-year break and earned six World and one Olympic medal, today joined the cast for the 2012 Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions. Memmel, who won the World all-around title in 2005 and went on to claim a total of three World gold, three World silver and the 2008 Olympic team silver, will participate in the majority of the Tour's 40 stops. She joins members of the 2012 Olympic team and 2008 Olympic teammate Nastia Liukin in this unique celebration of the sport.
"Joining the 2012 Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions is exciting for me and will be a lot of fun," said Memmel. "The tour really provides an opportunity for all of the athletes to be recognized for their achievements in the sport, as well as connect with the fans who have been so supportive throughout our careers. I am really looking forward to being a part of this tour."
"Chellsie's commitment to join the cast is important," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "Her journey with USA Gymnastics has been a significant part of our success, and we are proud to celebrate her accomplishments."
The 2012 Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions is a 10-week, cross-country tour featuring present and past World and Olympic champions and medalists. USA Gymnastics will work with Memmel to determine the Tour stops where she will perform. The entire cast will be named in the near future.
"Performing for the fans has always been an important aspect of my career," added Memmel. "The positive energy we receive from the crowd is indescribable, and the tour really allows us to enjoy what performing is all about. I am so excited about the team's chances in London, and I look forward to celebrating the year with them on the Tour."
In her 12 years as an elite gymnast, Memmel was a 10-time U.S. National Team member, matching the women's record originally set by Dominique Dawes.
In 2003, she won the team, all-around, uneven bars and balance beam gold medals at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Just weeks later at the 2003 World Championships in Anaheim, Calif., Memmel, originally the team's second alternate, was called up to compete. During the team final, Memmel was the only U.S. competitor to compete on all four events, leading Team USA to its first-ever World team gold medal, and earning a tie with teammate Hollie Vise for gold on the uneven bars.
In 2005, Memmel became the first U.S. woman to win the World all-around title since Shannon Miller in 1994. Additionally, she claimed silver medals in the uneven bars and balance beam and helped Team USA to a record-setting nine World Championships medals.
At the 2006 World Championships, she helped the USA to the team silver. Showing grit, determination and team spirit that would become her trademarks, she found a way to push through and finish her routine and the remaining events after injuring her right shoulder on the uneven bars, ensuring the USA a spot on the podium.
In Beijing at the 2008 Olympic Games, Memmel delivered a 15.750 on the uneven bars in the team final, helping the American squad to their second consecutive Olympic team silver medal. Memmel is one of only 41 U.S. women to claim an Olympic gymnastics medal.
Tickets to the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions are available through participating gymnastics clubs, and go on sale to the public on July 20. Go to KelloggsTour.com for more information on tickets in specific markets.
The Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions is produced by USA Gymnastics in partnership with AEG Facilities. Kellogg Company is the exclusive title sponsor, and Hilton HHonors and Procter & Gamble are official supporting partners.