Gymfinity at Regional Championship
Date Line: April 26, Wisconsin Dells. Gymnasts representing 7 states, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin competed in the Regional Championship. Gymfinity sent 5 athletes in Level 8 (USA-Gymnastics Junior Olympic levels of competition range from Level 3 to Level 10, After 10 would be “Elite” and that’s the gymnastics you see on TV).
The day started with our younger team members competing. Each athlete was focused and prepared for the day. Kaisey Skibba had a great day, she hit routines the best she had done all season. In the end she was ranked 9th on Uneven Bars with a 9.275. Kaisey started the season as a Level 7, but through hard work she earned a spot on the Level 8 team, proving her capacity at Regionals. Lexi Alt is also a first year Level 8 who earned 3rd on Vault (9.1) doing a tucked Yurnchenko, 6th on Beam (9.225) and 3rd in the All Around (36.5). Brianna Slonim, another mid year mover to Level 8 Placed 4th in the All Around (36.4), 9th on Floor Exercise (9.175) , 5th on Uneven Bars (9.35) and was crowned the Regional Vaulting Champion, doing a Piked Yurnchenko (9.5). Check out this link to see the Vaults that rule the region: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4tTxvTPcsc In the afternoon we had our last two gymnasts competing. Kendra Neuhauser had a good meet. The fact that her and team mate Yuki Matsushima were in separate rotations proved to be a little tough on both of the girls, not used to performing alone and without the team to support them. Kendra placed 9th on Uneven Bars (8.8) and Yuki placed 5th on Vault with her Yurnchenko (8.825) and 8th All Around (35.2). All in all Gymfinity’s team represented well and we are proud of each of our girls.
We were supported by a large number of parents and other team members (not competitng) who braved the thunderstorm and tornado watch to get to the Dells and cheer for the girls. We never underestimate the power of great spirit and want to thank all of them for being there. Make no mistake, though they sat in the stands they were a very important part of the team’s success.
The season now “officially” over is actually the first step in the next stage of training; next season. The girls will have a short break in the gym by focusing on basic skills before moving into a phase of attaining new skills. Then, in October, it’s officially “pre-season” then we’re right back to work. Next season we are looking to travel and there are several options being looked at, Florida, Nevada, California and Idaho are locations being considered.
Watch for more news about these amazing girls and other GREAT kids and their accomplishments at Gymfinity.