Up close to the action on the floor from the 2018 JO Nationals in this Region 5 Sights and Sounds. Region 5 always brings the spirit and top level gymnastics every year at nationals and here is an inside look at the moments during the competition you may have missed.
Our next Level 9 Eastern National All Around Champion is Maleah Crowley of Legacy Elite presented by A-1 Awards
How does it feel to be the 2018 Junior 7 Level 9 Eastern National All Around Champion? To be a National All Around Junior 7 Champion makes me feel like I accomplished not only one season goal, but two.
Tell us how your meet went today? Walk us through each moment of your day, warm ups, events, etc..I woke up ready to have a solid meet, and I did just that. It was not my strongest meet, but I was consistent for all 4 events.
What do you normally do between events to stay focused and ready for the next event? To stay focused on events I usually just live in the moment and do what I need to.
Tell us about the atmosphere of the meet comrade to regular season meets you have been too. The venue felt professional, it was a little bit colder than normal, yet it was more energizing because we represented Region 5 rather than an individual gym.
What is it like being part of Region at Eastern Nationals? (be descriptive) Region 5 is known for being the best region and it was a great experience to be part of a new team and represent Region 5.
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How has your experience been here at Nationals? What have you been doing besides competing? It was a really quick trip, just an overnight. But an experience of meeting so many other talented gymnasts and I also built more relationships so it was great.
When th
e meet is over what is or what was the first thing you did to celebrate your win? My parents gave me a big hug but we had to rush to the airport right after.
Other than becoming National Champion, what was one highlight of the meet for you? My mom surprised me and came, so I had both my parents at the meet.
Anything crazy or funny happen during your meet? I accidentally saluted during the announcement when the announcer said “Legacy” it wasn’t Legacy Elite and I saluted with the teammate next to me.
How does Region 5 compare to the other Regions out on the competition Floor? What sets Region 5 apart? Region 5 develops the feel of a true team by the camps and talks.
Melinda Scheible owner of All American Flames was wired during the Junior B’s bars rotation at the 2018 JO Nationals in Cincinnati Ohio. Listen in as Melinda gives some last minute corrections and motivational words to her level 10 Sage Kellerman as she warm-ups up and prepares to compete during her first nationals experience.
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Our next 20 questions athlete is 4 time JO National Qualifier Dani Petrousek from Gymnastics Academy of Rockford in Illinois. Dani, who is a solid and confident competitor, always looks like she is having a great time on the competition floor. She throws some big skills and has clean lines especially on the balance beam. 
Dani, who is a great team leader and role model, has a super fun personality! It was a joy to rotate with her and the rest of the Senior A Dream Team during the first session of JO Nationals! she kept us laughing at 8am especially when we spotted Chris Brooks! Dani has a few more years left with us here in Region 5, she will certainly be missed when she graduates, however she will be staying in Region 5 to continue her gymnastics career. Lets get to know Dani a little better as she heads into summer training and gets ready to make a run at her 5th JO Nationals next season.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? I went to my cousin’s birthday party at a gym when I was 3 and I loved it there so my mom put me in classes
What is your favorite event? My favorite event is bars
What is your favorite skill to train and/or compete? My favorite skill to train is a Maloney
What is your dream skill? My dream skill is a double layout dismount off bars
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is competing
What college do you plan on attending? I will be attending Western Michigan 
University and competing on the Gymnastics Team.
What is your favorite meet to compete at? My favorite meet to compete at is Nationals
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far is making it to nationals and receiving a scholarship to compete for WMU
Who do you admire most in the sport of gymnastics? I most admire Nastia Liukin
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Series or Feature? I like the new Mind of a…. series so far (Look for a new one coming up Monday June 11th)
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What is your go to playlist or song before competitions? My playlist always changes before meets but it usually always includes Shawn Mendes
If you were stranded on a deserted island what would you make sure you had? I would bring matches so I could easily have fire to stay warm, water, and a tent for shelter
If you could be an animal, what animal would you be and Why? I’d be a bird because I want to fly
Who is your favorite Super Hero? My favorite superhero is Batman
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I don’t really do anything specific before meets
What do you like to do outside of the gym? Outside of the gym I like to spend time with my friends
What is your most embarrassing gymnastics or meet moment? My most embarrassing moment at a meet was when I messed up my floor pattern
If you did not do gymnastics, what other sport do you think you would try? If I wasn’t a gymnast I would probably do volleyball or track
Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I respect Aly Raisman because she was a very hard worker and has so much love for gymnastics
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom you coach has given you?My coaches have always told me since I was little “what you think is what you do”
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Check out Dani’s JO Nationals Gallery Below
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Region 5 is Making their Move into 2019. Check out some of the new skills being done from our gymnasts around the Region. If you want your upgrades to be included in future Making Your Move posts upload your video to your Instagram page (must be public or put up on gym IG) and tag us @region5gyminsider.
Buckeye is upgrading on Bars
Hannah Oliveros, IGI New Front step out to Double Back (one of my favorite passes)
Lauren Bannister, Champion (KY) upgrading her full in to a WHIP FULL IN! YES THATS RIGHT!!!!!
Kaitlyn Ewald, Revolution Gymnastics IS BRINGING BACK THE DOUBLE FRONT! OH YEAH!
She also has a new beam mount in the works AWESOME!
JerQuavia Henderson (“Q”), Gym Corner adding a standing layout step out on beam
