Magnificent 7 reunite at nationals

ST. LOUIS — For the Magnificent Seven, it was like homecoming.

Amy Chow and Dominique Dawes chitchatted on the sideline, gossiping about everybody who was here. Shannon Miller was across the way, wearing her serious, competition face. Amanda Borden, who's here as a spectator this time, ran around giving everybody hugs before the meet.

"We were saying how neat it is to be with everyone, with Amanda on the sidelines and all these ex-old gymnasts that we've competed with for the last decade," Dawes said.

The "old" gang didn't come to the U.S. Gymnastics Nationals just for a reunion, though. They've got some moves left and they'd like everyone to know it.

Chow, who hasn't competed at nationals since way back in 1995, is in third place after the preliminary rounds with 37.700 points. Dominique Moceanu shrugged off a sprained ankle and showed the stuff that made her America's darling in 1996, finishing in 10th place with 37.062 points.

All-around finals are Saturday night, and the top 12 gymnasts advance to the Olympic trials next month in Boston.

Dominique Dawes is in 13th place, an impressive showing for somebody who's only been training seriously since the end of April. And Miller provided the drama for the night, skipping her first three events before nailing an uneven bars routine that brought down the house.

"Obviously, it's great to be back competing again and I was very happy to be able to compete bars. A week ago I was having trouble walking," said Miller, who is still recovering from a hairline crack in her right leg.

Because of all the zeroes she took, Miller had to withdraw from Saturday night's event finals and is petitioning for a spot at the Olympic trials.