Sept. 12--Libertyville's Laura Zeng made U.S. rhythmic gymnastics history Friday.
Zeng's eighth place in the all-around at the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, was the best ever for a U.S. gymnast.
The best previous top finish was a 10th by Mary Sanders in 2003. Until Zeng, no U.S. gymnast since then had been higher than 19th.
It also gave the U.S. an individual event spot in the 2016 Rio Summer Games. The Olympic athlete will be selected in a trials competition next year.
Zeng, 15, a Libertyville High School sophomore who trains at North Shore Rhythmics in Deerfield, had won five gold medals at this summer's Pan American Games. This is her first season as a senior level competitor.
