Dowell Shines on National Stage

INDIANAPOLIS - Not yet four months removed from her first season of collegiate gymnastics, Brenna Dowell posted a standout night at the 2015 P&G Gymnastics Championships on Thursday.

After a stellar freshman season at Oklahoma, Dowell has taken her talents back to the elite scene and is sitting in seventh after day one of all-around competition at the national championship meet. Dowell earned a 57.550 in the senior women division on the night. The second day of action for the senior women will be Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Dowell's highest individual marks came on uneven bars and floor. The Odessa, Mo., native captured a 15.150 to tie for sixth on bars; her unique and complex routine earned a massive 6.7 start value.

Dowell added a sixth-place effort on floor with a 14.350, displaying dynamic and poised tumbling throughout her routine. She also picked up a 14.800 on a double-twisting Yurchenko vault and earned a 13.300 on beam.

Dowell's performance was especially impressive considering the speed of her return to the elite scene. She has worked for a chance at the World Championship team and beyond since announcing her intention to defer in June.

In total, the P&G Gymnastics Championships will span four days and serves as USA Gymnastics' national championships and will determine members of the men's and women's national team and part of the World Team selection.

Day two of senior women's competition will be broadcast live on NBC Sports, with a free live stream available at pgchamps.com/live.