Sixteen current and former champions competed as professional teams at the 1997 Reese's International Gymnastics Cup, entertaining the crowd with an endless supply of creativity. The athletes, paired into four men's and four women's teams, appreciated the opportunity to show their personalities to their fans, and to compete in front of celebrity judges. Amy Chow, who teamed with Shannon Miller ("Gym Blossoms") to win the women's competition, said "It is a lot of fun; since these [judges] are people we know and work with, the pressure is off!"

The men's competition was won by Chris Waller and Chainey Umphrey ("Bruin Connection"), both former UCLA gymnasts and former Olympians. Umphrey noted, "there is a lot more going on [here] than just a meet." The biggest surprise of the night was Chris Waller's high bar routine. Performing to Smashing Pumpkins, Waller emerged with a shaved head, much to the amazement of the crowd and judges. His head was shaved by his wife, Cindy, and other gymnasts just before the second rotation. Waller stated, "I've spent 10 years as a conservative gymnast. Now that I am finished competing on a 'World/Olympic' level, I am ready to have fun and shock people. I did it for the kicks and the crowd." Waller is currently on the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors Athlete's Council.

Each winning team scored 39.50 points, with Miller and Umphrey both scoring a perfect total of 20.00 individual points.

Other quotes:
Shannon Miller: (On being "old") "I think our age and experience in 1996 helped us compete successfully in Atlanta."
Chainey Umphrey: (On the "pro" meets) "These meets offer a huge compendium of personalities on one ticket."
Shannon Miller: (On competing further) "I have no plans for 2000, but I do plan to compete a couple more years on the pro-circuit."
Chainey Umphrey: (On the personalities of the athletes coming out in the routines tonight) "This is what endears us to the public."