After the first day of competition for the men, Sam Mikulak emerged the trimphant leader with Jake Dalton trailing behind in second. Sam managed to secure his lead when he went on pommel horse, which is his best event and an Achillies heel for the USA men in general. Sam hit his routine with a clean, stylish routine that catapulted him to the top of the leader board after the third rotation. In doing so, Sam managed to break a streak of falls seen by many of USA's top men.
Tonight is the first night of the men's competition at the P&G National Championships. The men's field is ripe with hopeful young men vying for the national team. The returning favorites include Danell Leyva, the 2012 All-Around Bronze medalist. Danell won the qualifier event in the Springs back in July. He didn't really need to, but it's always good to know that you rock. With Danell comes his dad/coach/personal cheerleader, Yin Alvarez.