The American Cup will kick off the “official” (media wise) frenzy filled season of gymnastics in an Olympic year. The event, in its second consecutive year as a world cup competition, features an array of gymnasts with varying talents to, as some would say, assure an American victory.

Either way, the 2012 American Cup is a significant event for the American gymnasts, who will be looking to gain early season momentum as they head into preparation for nationals, training camps, and the Olympic Trials. 

Check out more after the jump.

The men’s field, as usual, looks promising. It features: 

• USA: Danell Leyva
• USA: John Orozco 
• Germany: Marcel Nguyen
• Great Britain: Daniel Purvis
• Japan: Ryuzo Sejima
• Ukraine: Mykola Kuksenkov
• Ukraine: Oleg Verniaiev

Turning first to Danell Leyva:

1. 24th AA at 2011 Worlds with a nasty fall & incomplete routine on HB
2. 2011 USA National Champion 
3. 2012 Winter Cup High Bar Champion, silver medalist on Floor. 

John Orozco:

1. Placed 5th in 2011 Worlds All Around; 8th on High Bar finals
2. 3rd in the AA at the 2011 US National Championships
3. 2012 Winter Cup AA, HB (tie with Leyva), and PB Champion

Marcel Nguyen

1. Placed 8th in AA at 2011 Worlds.
2. Placed 6th AA, 1st PB, 3rd HB at 2011 Euros

Daniel Purvis

1. 4th AA at 2011 Worlds
2. 3rd AA at 2011 Euros
3. 8th at 2011 AmCup; Male winner of the 2011 World Cup Series

Ryuzo Sejima

1. A cursory search has not turned up direct results or videos. Below at 3:43 is Sejima at the 2011 University Games. 

Mykola Kuksenkov

1. Tied with Purvis for 3rd at 2011 Euros
2. 7th in 2011 Worlds AA
3. 2nd at 2011 American Cup

Oleg Verniaiev

1. Apologies, again, for not finding much information on Oleg. Below is his PHroutine from 2011 Worlds. 

Predictions? I can see Leyva, Purvis, or Kuksenkov taking the title here. My money is on Leyva, if only because his training schedule, as an American, will have him more prepared than his European counterparts, who are still far out from Euros and the need to be in peak shape this early in the season. Last year Purvis had a difficult time, but after a decent showing at the 2012 London Qualifier last month, I think he’ll be better conditioned for this event. Kuksenkov surprised last year and nearly took the title from Horton. He could still spoil. 

I’ll take a stab at the placings:

1. Leyva

2. Purvis

3. Orozco

4. Kuksenkov

5. Nguyen

6. Sejima

7. Oleg

Stay tuned for the Female Rundown later this weekend.