Region 5 qualified seven to the 2018 Nastia Cup with six competing (Alyssa Al-Ashari from Twistars pulled out due to injury) in this years event hosted for the first time in our region. They took the opportunity and made the most of it. In the junior competition, Region 5 dominated the podium lead by Tory Vetter of Universal Gymnasts who posted a high of 9.75 for her beam set to take the title over JPAC’s Jacey Vore by .175. The third place trophy went to Legacy Elites Faith Torez- Foster who took the junior floor title with her huge double layout and 9.6.
In the senior competition, Legacy Elite’s Andrea Li finished on the podium for the third time grabbing second place by only .075 and swung her way to the top bar score of the entire competition with her 9.7. Olympia’s Gabby Wilson and Buckeye’s Makarri Doggette tied for 11th both with solid efforts scoring 38.15. Our six pack proved that Region 5 comes to play and is ready to go for the upcoming JO Championship season.
Our next 20 questions athlete is UGA Level 10 Kadyn Fitzgibbon. Kadyn qualified to JO Nationals back in 2016 in her first year of level 10. Kadyn is a team leader for her UGA team on and off the competition floor. Last season, Kadyn started off with a bang but an early season illness derailed her momentum. She has been rolling this season upgrading her gymnastics including a new yurchenko 1 1/2. Kadyn has powerful gymnastics mixed with the presentation and show quality needed to stand out. Kadyn, who is a freshman in high school, has a few more years left with us here in Region 5. Let’s get to know Kaydn a little bit better as she makes her way towards postseason and the road to JO Nationals.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you?I was a very active toddler and my mom signed me up for tumbling classes when I was 3 years old.The coach told my mom I was super coordinated and was excelling in tumbling and recommended that my mom put me in gymnastics classes at UGA with Kevin and Glen.
What is your favorite event?Floor.
Favorite Skill to train/compete? I would have to say it’s between my yurchenko 1 ½, full in pike out, or my tkachev.
Dream Skill? Double layout on floor and yurchenko double.
What is your favorite part of gymnastics?I love when the team puts in so much hard work everyday through the summer work outs and it all starts clicking.We all start getting our new skills and you can feel the excitement and payoff from our dedication.
What college do you plan on attending?UNIVERSITY OF IOWA-GOHAWKEYES!!
What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why? The UGA home meet for sure!There is always a big crowd that brings so much energy.I love competing in front of all my family and friends.
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far?Verbally committing this past fall to the University of Iowa.
Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics?Simone Biles.Things didn’t always come easy to her.Many see her successes but don’t realize the amount of work that was done behind gym doors.Hard work always pays off!
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? All Access.I like seeing different drills and training atmospheres.
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What is your go to playlist or song before meets? Hip hop.Love my Pandora.
3 Things you could not live without? Family, music, and avocados.
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? a Dolphin.They are smart, close with family, graceful to watch, help other sea creatures who are in trouble, look out for their friends, and yet are super playful.
5 Most Important or Must have Items in your gym bag?Grips, Wrist Guards, pre-wrap, tape, tough skin.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? No, although I do my hair the same way each meet.
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics?I love snowmobling and outdoor sports especially water sports like wake boarding and wake surfing.
Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment?As my teammates and coaches can contest, I sometimes get so deep in my training, my common sense is left behind which leads to some pretty funny conversations.
If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try?Volleyball or track.
Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why?J.J. Watt. 110%.He is extremely humble with all his successes and still wakes up everyday trying to be better than he was the day before on and off the football field.He was able to earn the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his volunteer and charity work after Hurricane Harvey in Texas.He took his injured season and instead of dwelling on not being able to play football, he used his gifts for charity work.I’d love to meet him one day!
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you?“One skill at a time.”
Bonus Question:Tell me something interesting about yourself….I have one 11 year old brother, Brad, football is my second favorite sport, and I can only wink with my right eye.
2018 Nastia Liukin Cup Junior Champion Tory Vetter from Universal Gymnasts talked to the Insider about her experience at the cup and what her win does for her confidence moving forward to JO Championship season.
This Senior Saturday features 2 time JO National Qualifier and future University of Illinois Illini Mallory Mizuki from Olympia Gymnastics Academy. Mallory talked to the Insider after her final 2018 Athlete Warrior Invite (her gym’s home meet) about being an Olympia gymnast for 12 years and how much of an impact her coaches and teammates have had on her. She has represented Region 5 at two JO National Championships and is looking forward to achieving that goal again and putting on that Region 5 leo one last time. Her motto for the season of BE PATIENT, ENJOY THE MOMENT, and BE COMPETITIVE is driving her this year to reach her potential but still enjoy the moments as they come many for the last time in club gymnastics.
JPAC Level 10 Jacey Vore heading into her 2nd Nastia Cup talks about building on her experience from last year and the difference in the JPAC team in 2018.
