Region 5 Elites who chased Olympic Glory: Jordyn Wieber, Twistars USA

August 9, 2016

Talented and Driven is how her coach describes her; Team Oriented is how UCLA describes her; Mental Toughness is what she is known for in USA Gymnastics, but here in Region 5 she is Jordyn Wieber of Dewitt, Michigan.

Jordyn Wieber walked into Geddert’s Twistars USA at the age of 2 or 3, her parents noticed that she had unusually bigger muscles than all the other kids her age, so Rita and Dave Wieber enrolled Jordyn in some fun classes at the gym. She however, ended up stopping to do dance, but that was not enough for Jordyn and by the age of 4 she had returned to Twistars USA. John Geddert had taken notice of this young gymnast and handpicked her for his Silverstars program.

According to John Geddert:

“Jordyn was the athlete that coaches dream about. The one that not only has physical talent above and beyond even the exceptional mortals, but also the inner desire to use that talent to the best of her ability. Never a discipline problem, never a motivational problem, never any training integrity issues … she was always focused and determined to get the most out of every training day. She was the athlete that would remind you that she needed to train (if there were a few off days in a row scheduled)”

Jordyn was born for Gymnastics at just 7 years old, Wieber qualified to the 2002 National TOP 7-8-Year-Old Diamond Team. The following year, she competed at the 2003 Fall State Championships where she won vault, bars, beam, floor and all-around. In 2004, Jordyn competed in the Michigan State Championships placing second in the All-Around. By the time she was 10, Jordyn had already qualified to Level 10, in 2006 she was the younger competitor at the JO National Championships placing second in the All-Around.

“Jordyn qualified to her very first Championships of the USA as a 10 year old (she would turn 11 by the meet date). At that meet we turned in the CD of her floor music which was labled JORDYN WIEBER Level 7. That is an indication how fast she flew through the optional levels. In just over 1 years time she advanced from Level 7-8-9… did JO Nationals at Level 10 (2nd AA) and then qualified to Championships.”–John Geddert

In the summer of 2006 Jordyn qualified as an International Elite, she competed at the US Classic and US National Championships placing 9th in the All-Around. Jordyn began to steadily climb up the Junior ranks and make a name for herself, in 2007 she finished 5th in the AA and 2nd on Balance Beam at the US Classic, she then went on to place 3rd in the AA, Bars, 2nd on the Vault and 5th on Floor at the Visa Championships. In 2007 Jordyn would also compete in her first international assignment, Jordyn represented team USA at the Junior Pan American Championships placing 1st in the Team, Uneven Bars and Balance Beam; she also placed 2nd in the AA and 3rd on the Floor.

In 2008 Jordyn was still a Junior Elite, she would not become a Senior until 2011. In the Olympic Year Jordyn competed in the U.S Classic placing 1st in the all four events plus the AA, she qualified to the 2008 Visa Championships where again she placed 1st in the AA, Vault & Floor; 2nd on Balance Beam and 3rd on Uneven Bars. Jordyn would qualify to her 3rd Junior National Team. Jordyn earned a few international assignments in 2008, she was on the 1st place team in Jesolo, Italy and she took 1st in the AA as well. she then went onto compete at the Top Gym in Belgium again placing 1st in the AA.

Jordyn, being on the National Team, watched and trained with the girls who made up the 2008 Olympic Team. Many of them were her friends and mentors, so it was difficult to watch this amazing group of athletes be pushed out of the Gold Medal by the Chinese. John Geddert recalls a moment he had with Jordyn after that team finals.

“I remember discussing the 2008 team at the Olympics when they were defeated by the Chinese in Bejing. Jordyn stated as a matter of fact not to worry cause “they” (not she) would take care of that in 2012. She was an athlete with a vision, extremely goal oriented and inspired by challenging her own abilities.”

From the time Jordyn saw her American Teammates defeated in Beijing it was as if her sole purpose was to achieve what they did not and bring that Gold Medal back to the USA. She worked the next four years with that purpose in mind, she was very team oriented and sure of what Team USA could and would do the next time around.

Jordyn started off 2009 competing in her first American Cup competition, as a Junior. Jordyn was invited to compete with the seniors to gain experience. According to John, “this meet was to be her coming out party. This is the meet where she competed her first Amanar which gave her an immediate lead in the competition. She also competed a layout Double Double off bars which she darted. It was if she was born to be on the big stage.”

After the American Cup she competed in the Junior Team Cup of International Gymnix, in Montreal Canada where she placed 1st in all four events as well as the AA and Team. However, this would be the last meet Jordyn would participate in in 2009. In August she sustained an injury that would keep her out of the US Classic & US Championships. Jordyn battled a few injuries in 2009 & 2010, she competed in April 2010 in the Pacific Rim Championships, Melbourne, Australia where in the Junior Division. Jordyn would make her return to US competition by competing at the CoverGirl Classic placing 1st in the AA, Vault and Uneven Bars, 2nd on Floor and 6th on the Beam. She qualified herself to the Visa Championships later in the summer, however in warm ups Jordyn sustained sprains to both her ankles on her beam dismount and withdrew from the competition. It was more important for Jordyn to be ready and healthy going into her Senior debut the next year.

Jordyn had been on the Junior Elite scene for a long time, everyone in the gymnastics community was ready for her to become a Senior, in 2011 that finally happened Jordyn was now a senior elite and ready to compete on the biggest stage in the world. 2011 started out at the American Cup meet, there was a bit of controversy surrounding Jordyn’s participation in the meet. Some delegation, specifically the Russians, were not pleased that she was competing. Typically, to be eligible to compete in this type of competition, [a world cup competition] you were required to participate in the previous world competition, however the host country [by rule] could pick athletes to full the roster if they need too. This is what they did, Jordyn was invited to participate in the competition, she would be facing the 2010 World Champion Aliya Mustafina from Russia. John shared with me a moment from the meet that is somewhat comical.

“The Russian delegation was not happy to see her there and the cold icy stares become somewhat of a joke. I asked Jordyn if she notices the icy stares from Aliya, and she said “yes she had been doing that all during training and pre meet warm ups” Does if bother you I asked…. Nah I just ignore her.”

This was very classy of Jordyn, nothing bothered her. she was unfazed by the other athletes on the floor. Jordyn and Mustafina went back and forth all night. However in the end Jordyn came out on top to be the 2011 American Cup Champion beating Aliya by the smallest of margins.

The 2011 season continued with the City of Jesolo Trophy, Jesolo, Italy where Jordyn placed 1st with the Team, 2nd in the AA, Vault and Beam and 3rd on the Uneven Bars. The summer elite season started with the CoverGirl Classic where Jordyn only competed two events Bars and Beam, placing 1st on both. She qualified to the 2011 Visa Championships, where she was the clear favorite to in the event. Jordyn in her senior championships debut placed 1st in the AA, Uneven Bars and Floor as well as 3rd on the Beam.

Following championships Jordyn was named to her first Senior National Team and was invited to the 2011 World Team Selection Camp. Jordyn was selected to represent the USA in the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Going into the 2011 Worlds the United States was the favorites even though they placed 2nd to the Russians in 2010. Jordyn and Viktoria Komova were both favored to win the All-Around, everyone knew this would be the exciting competition. Both athletes were at the top of the Juniors in the previous years, so it would make for a great match up in the finals.

In true USA tradition the team would onto to win the gold medal in the Team Finals. This would be the 3rd consecutive time the USA has one the Team Gold Medal the year before the Olympic Games (2003, 2007 previously). I remember watching the All-Around finals, the competition between Jordyn and Viktoria was intense, each having their small errors and hit routines, however in the end Jordyn would become the 2011 World AA Champion defeating Komova 59.382 to 59.34. It was an incredible moment to see Jordyn realize she won, the emotion was so real. After winning Jordyn stated:

“I was so surprised. I wasn’t expecting to come out on top but I am really happy and glad that I did enough on that floor routine to make it. To come in here and achieve one of my goals that I have had since I was a little kid is so exciting. I am very happy to have this gold medal around my neck.”—IG Magazine

After her many achievements in 2011 Jordyn was a finalist for the James E. Sullivan award, which is presented annually to an amateur athlete by the Amateur Athletic Union.

As 2011 came to an end, Jordyn returned to the gym to prepare for the 2012 season. The 2012 season is what she has been working for…The Olympic Games! Jordyn started 2012 the same was she started 2012 competing at the American Cup, where is won her 3rd American Cup title, which ties her with Mary Lou Retton for the most American Cup titles for a female athlete. In 2012 Jordyn competed two events at the Secret Classic Beam & Bars placing 1st and 8th respectively. She went on to the Visa Championships capturing her 2nd AA title in a row and placing 2nd on the Floor as well as 5th on the Bars and the Beam. She qualified to her 2nd Senior National Team, and onto the Kelloggs Pacific Rim Championships Team, where she placed 1st with the Team and in the AA as well as 6th on the Beam.

After a great start to the 2012 season, Jordyn qualified to the 2012 US Team Olympic Trials. This meet was important because for the first time since 2000 they Selection Committee would be announcing the Olympic Team immediately after the competition, there would be no strenuous selection camp this time around. As in 2008, the athlete that placed first at the trials automatically secured herself a spot on the Olympic Team, Jordyn wanted this spot and many thought she would get this spot, however Jordyn placed second at the US Olympic Trials so she had to sit after the competition and wait to hear her name called by the selection committee. Sitting in a room waiting for someone else to decide whether or not your dream will come true can be pretty nerve-wracking according to the girls. After what probably felt like an eternity, the selection committee came in and announced the Team. Jordyn had made the 2012 US Olympic Team, once the announcement was made the girls had to run out to the floor, there were given their warm-ups, floors and ushered to the main stage. The girls were incredibly emotional, many crying out of relief, joy and pure happiness. I know watching at home we were all crying as well! Being from Michigan and watching Jordyn grow up, knowing her coaches and her gym it feels like she is all of our teammate and it felt great to have someone from out state and our Region achieve this amazing goal.

For Jordyn, the Olympic Games did not go quite as planned. After a few mistakes in qualifications she failed to qualify to the All-Around Final despite being the 4th best gymnast in the world. Because of the two per country rule Jordyn an emotional Jordyn would have to sit in the stands and watch her teammates compete in the biggest competition of their lives. Jordyn being the class act that she is and always a very focused and team oriented person, took a few moments to herself that evening in her room then her teammates had her out of the room and back to her cheery self. This would be very important, for team finals.

When team USA walked into team finals, Jordyn was ready to lead the USA team to the gold medal. One of the most memorable moments of the team fins for me was watching Jordyn lead off the team on vault. The moment she stuck her vault and came running back to her teammates with that enormous smile on her face, you instantly knew she had put the qualifications behind her and that today was all about the team. Jordyn heavily contributed to the team total, ending with a crowd pleasing floor routine in the final rotation. Everyone remembers the famous picture of Jordyn and Aly after they saw TEAM USA on top of the scoreboard, those moments are some of the most memorable. Team USA won an historic gold medal, the 2nd one in Olympic History and the first one on foreign soil. Those girls had so much to be proud of that night and still today. Jordyn would become a great cheerleader and team supporter for the next few days until she competed in the floor finals later in the week. Jordyn who was actually competing with a stress fracture in her leg ended up finishing 4th in the floor finals. she gave a crowd pleasing routine, full of high energy and great tumbling however she had a few missteps, but other than that she finished her Olympic Games with a Team Gold Medal and being the 4th best floor worker in the world.

After the Olympic concluded Jordyn went with her teammates on the Kelloggs Tour of Champions that traveled around the United States performing shows in almost 40 different cities. Jordyn had many great experiences after the Olympics, she was able to dance with the rest of her teammates along with Shawn Johnson on Dancing with the Stars, she also did appearances, camps, awards shows and had the opportunity to meet President Obama at the White House.

Once the whirlwind of being Olympic Champions ended, Jordyn returned to Gedderts Twistars in Michigan to being training again, with hopes of competing. Many of her teammates competed at the 2009 US Classic, Championship and the Worlds. However, Jordyn’s comeback did not materialize like everyone thought it would. Jordyn ended up leaving Twistars and Michigan to embark on the next chapter of her life at UCLA.

Since Jordyn became a professional athlete in 2011 prior to the Olympic Games, she gave up her NCAA eligibility so she would not be able to compete in gymnastics for UCLA. Prior to arriving at UCLA Jordyn had spoke to Val Kondos-Fields, the UCLA Head Coach, about her options and how she could still be part of the team. Jordyn would become the UCLA Bruins team manager. Jordyn however, was pulling double duty for her first year at UCLA, she trained elite and manager the team.

Every day at 6 a.m. Jordyn would train alone in the Wooden Center, then when the team arrived at 8am to start their training hers would be over and she would then become the mat puller, board setter and cheerleader. She loved her dual identity, she loved being part of the UCLA Team, but she was also training as an elite trying to make a comeback. Jordyn one day realized that she could not train for the 2016 Olympics and be on the road all the time with the team, so she had a tough decision to make. Miss Val spoke when Jordyn walked into her office to talk about this decision. “She came to me one day with tears in her eyes,” . “I figured, She’s done, she’s out of here, she’s going to get ready for Rio.” Instead, Jordyn told Miss Val the opposite: “I’ve decided I’m not going to Rio. There’s no way I’m leaving my team.” —Flo Gymnastics Video

Jordyn had decided her commitment to her team was her main priority, she thrived in the environment. She was getting her college gymnastics experience in a different way than most college athletes. Jordyn would officially retire from gymnastics, she was the first member of the Fierce Five to retire and never look back. Jordyn is in the gym once again preparing for the 2016 Kelloggs Tour of Gymnastics Champions, she will be on the road again in a leotard with there former teammates performing in front of a huge crowds every night.

Jordyn, who is studying psychology at UCLA will become a Volunteer Assistant Coach for the Bruins next season. Maybe one day Jordyn will become the head coach of UCLA, I know Miss Val could see it happening, Jordyn has such a love and connection to the UCLA Program. I could see it happening as well, but until then Jordyn is a student-coach trying to finish up her undergrad degree before taking the next steps to another chapter of her life.

Jordyn Wieber is the pride of Michigan and one of Reigon 5s most successful gymnasts. Jordyn has earned many awards and honors as an athlete. She is a member of the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame, Region 5 Hall of Fame and most recently the Lansing Sports Hall of Fame.

John Geddert shared a pretty funny story about how much Jordyn loved Region 5:

“Jordyn was a true die hard member of Region 5. During a geography class in grade school the lesson of the day was the different regions of the United States (Midwest, Southeast, Northeast etc). The teacher asked the class which region Michigan was in and Jordyn raised her hand to answer….. ” Michigan is in Region 5 along with Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky she proudly stated…”

Jordyn, will always be a valued member of Region 5 she has contributed so much to not only Region, but Michigan as well. Jordyn always gives back to the Region that she loves by doing camps, speaking engagements or being involved in any way she can when she can. Jordyn has certainly inspired the next generation of Region 5 athletes, almost every little girl in Michigan wanted to be like Jordyn Wieber she is everyone favorite Gymnast. It is fun to have a girl from a small town in Michigan be so extremely successful on the main stage. Watching Jordyn accomplish her dreams and so much more proves to every young athlete that it is possible to have big dreams and with hard work those dreams can be fulfilled.

Thank you to Jordyn for always being a mentor and and inspiration to all young athletes. I wish Jordyn all the best of luck in anything and everything she decided to pursue in life. I know because of her gymnast and her successes she will be amazing and find success at anything she puts her mind too.

Here are Jordyns routine from the 2012 Olympic Games:

Team Finals Floor, Team Finals Vault, Team Finals Bars

***Imagines from Google Search, Bio and information from John Geddert, Sports Illustrated, Wikipedia and Flo Gymnastics. Videos provided by Youtube Arturo Abimael, TheGymnastic101 and Gabriel McDonough account***

Region 5 Elites who chased Olympic Glory: Anna Li, Legacy Elite

Kim Dowis

August 4, 2016

Our next Region 5 athlete did not get her start in Region 5, however her story is one of the great ones of Region 5. Born to two Chinese Olympians, Anna Li who was born and raised in Las Vegas, certainly had gymnastics in her blood.

Anna, started her gymnastics career at six years old at Flyers in Las Vegas until her family decided to move to Aurora, Illinois in 2002. Her parents would go onto coach at Naperville Gymnastics before opening their own club in 2010, Legacy Elite. Anna was a freshman in high school when she moved to Region 5. In her first year as a member of Region 5 Anna competed at the 2002 JO Nationals placing 8th in the All-Around, she was also named to the 2002 All-Star Team. In 2003 Anna competed again as a Level 10 at the JO National Championships placing 7th in the AA, she also was the JO National Beam Champion that year. Having success as a JO athlete Anna decided to enter into the Elite world and in 2003 she competed at the U.S Challenge placing 11th in the AA. In 2004, Anna competed at her 3rd JO National Championships repeating as the Balance Beam National Champion, she would placed 2nd on Bars and 2nd in the AA. Li also competed at the Elite level in 2004 placing 13th at the U.S. Classic which qualified her to the 2004 Visa Championships where she placed 23rd in the AA. In 2005, Anna focused on Elite, competing in the U.S Classic placing 7th on the Bars and qualifying herself to her 2nd Visa Championships, where she finished 16th in the AA and 9th on Beam.

In 2006 Anna graduated from High School, she had accepted a full ride scholarship to compete for the UCLA Bruins, in 2007 Anna’s collegiate season began. Ironically, Anna would be competing in Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus the same exact location her parents competed in the Olympics Games winning multiple medals as part of the 1984 Chinese Olympic Team. This was something special for Anna, it gave her a connection to her parents gymnastics past and success.

Anna had a very successful collegiate career at UCLA, placing 4th in the AA in her first NCAA Championships. Li also had success duringthe regular season picking up 9 individual titles. She also earned first team All-American Honors and she was the only freshman in the conference to be selected to the All-Pac 10 team in the All-Around. In her sophomore season with the Burins Anna was one of the nations top All-Arounders being ranked 14th in the nation. Anna racked up 19 individual titles in the regular season. Li also achieved first team All-American honors on the Uneven Bars and was named first team All-Pac 10 in the All-Around and Pac 10 Gymnast of the week for the first week of the season.

2009 started off with a November surgery to remove bone spurs from her ankle, this limited Anna to predominately Uneven Bars, however she did compete a few times on the Balance Beam. In 2009 Anna had one of the most difficult Bar routines n the entire nation. She won the NCAA Regional Uneven Bars Title for the 3rd straight year in a row with a 9.9, she was also the Pac 10 Uneven Bars Co-Champion and named to the first team All-Pac 10 on Bars also winning her 2nd career Pac 10 event title. In her final season as a UCLA Bruin Gymnast, Anna helped lead the team to its sixth NCAA Team Title, she

individual earned first team All-American honors on Vault and Uneven Bars and 2nd All-American honors in the AA. Throughout the season Anna scored perfect 10s on the Uneven Bars at the NCAA Regionals and Pac-10 Championships, she also became the first Bruin since 2004 Olympian Mohini Bhardwaj to achieve back to back 10s on the Bars. Anna won her 4th straight NCAA Regional Bars title. Anna earned first team All-Pac 10 honors on the Vault and Bars. Anna had a successful senior season, receiving many awards and accomplishments. She received the Pac-10 Special Performance of the Week honors, had 15 individual titles, hit every single routine she competed and moved into the lead off spot on the Balance Beam.

After Anna’s four years of gymnastics was finished, she continued her education with UCLA finishing her history degree. Anna decided she was not done with gymnastics and decided to train along side her former teammate Vanessa Zamarripa who was making a return to Elite Gymnastics as well. The pair would train at AOGC in Los Angeles sometimes, when they couldn’t train at UCLA. In 2011 Anna graduated from UCLA with a degree in History. By this time her parents had opened their own gym in Illinois, Legacy Elite, Anna returned home and started working and training at her parents gym. During this time Anna made a few appearances as a gymnast on the ABC Family show “Make it or Break it”. However, the love for competition still burned inside of Anna and in July 2011 she officially announced her return to Elite Gymnastics. Li competed at the 2011 American Classic placing 1st on the Bars and 3rd on the Beam, she qualified to the CoverGirl Classic where she competed again on the Bars and Beam only, she feel on the Bars and ended up placing 7th on the event.

Anna qualified to the 2011 Visa Championships later in the summer, she tied for 3rd on the Uneven Bars and was 14th on the Balance Beam. After Championships Anna would qualify to her first US National Team. Based on her results and her potential Anna was chosen to attend the World and Pan American Teams Selection Camps to be held at the Ranch. Anna was selected as a member of the 2011 World Championship Team in Tokyo, Jaan. As part of the Worlds Team Anna, who was in the Alternate position, received a Gold Medal with the USA Team.

The Olympic Year had finally made it, for any gymnast competing or not this is the time everyone waits for, in 2012 Anna competed at the Secret Classic placing 8th AA, qualifying her to the Visa Championships were she placed 3rd on the Uneven Bars, she then went onto the Olympic Trials placing once again 3rd on the Uneven Bars.

Below Anna recounts the naming of the Olympic Team and her reaction and thoughts.

“I remember every second of it! Right after the compeition finished, we all had to go in a waiting room. Before walking into the room, my mom (as my coach), gave me a hug and said “we don’t know who made it, but you did the best you could do.” I remember thinking to myself, “I know I probably won’t be named, but I REALLY want to go….
It was the most uncomfortable few minutes in that waiting room. All of the girls who competed just sat in a circle while the coaches stood behind or on the side of the room. Some girls happy, some girls crying already, and I just sat there quiet. I knew I did everything I could and I was proud of myself regardless of if my name was called. This whole journey was beyond what I ever expected for myself and knowing I did everything I could, every minute of the way the past two years, I couldn’t have asked for more from myself.

When Marta came in and started to announce the team, when the names were called the girls just got up and left the room because we were told we had to run out to the competition floor. I remember sitting there when Marta said “Anna Li” and I was in shock. I don’t think I got up from my seat right away because I couldn’t believe she said my name. It was so surreal and when I walked out to the competition floor, confetti was falling down and I just soaked in every second of it. All the hard work, sacrifice, dedication all paid off for THIS moment.”—–Anna Li, Inside Gymnastics June 6, 2016

Anna made the 2012 US Olympic Team, as an alternate, and would travel to London, England. However, while training in London disaster struck and Anna took a pretty serious fall from the Uneven Bars on a dismount causing her to land on her neck. Unfortunately, this would be the end to her Olympic journey and her gymnastics in general if it was not for this injury Anna had plans to stick around til 2014 in hopes of making the World Team. The 2014 World Team would travel to China, Anna wanted to end her Elite Gymnastics career in the country that her parents represented at the Elite level and in the Olympic Games.

After retiring from Gymnastics Anna did the post Olympic Kelloggs tour of champions with her World & Olympic Teammates. Once the tour was over Anna returned to Aurora, Illinois and began working at Legacy Elite along side her parents. Anna coaches many of the competitive levels from the compulsories to the Elites. You can see Anna on the floor with her parents at almost every meet LE goes too. Anna also coaches the TOPs and Developmental kids, she has returned to the Ranch many times for training camps and testings. Legacy Elite is truly a family affair, her younger sister Andrea is an accomplished Level 10 having qualified to the JO Nationals and the Region 5 All-Star Team. Anna, has made the trip to numerous JO National competitions, she has also accompanied her sister on the All-Star Trip and Gabby Perea on international assignments. Anna is really coming into her own as a coach. Recently Anna became a Brevet Judge, she has judged at the Secret Class, Visa Championship & the Olympic Trials, she also went on her first international assignment in 2016.

Anna Li has had an incredible impact on Region 5, she has accomplished so many great and wonderful things in her career. Anna truly is an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, she truly showed that there is a life after college gymnastics and that returning to elite and making it to the world stage is possible. I have seen and spoke to Anna at meets; she truly is a breath of fresh air. It is fun to watch interact with her athletes and her parents, you can really tell that Legacy Elite is about family.

I wish Anna all the best of luck in her coaching career, I hope that she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of Region 5 Athletes. I would like to thank Anna for being a terrific role model and ambassador for the sport of gymnastics.

R5-Coaches Wired

Watch Anna’s Routines from 2012 and UCLA

Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Bars-UCLA, Floor-UCLA

***Imagines provided by Google Search, Anna Li Instagram. Bio provided by Wikipedia, USA Gymnastics, Inside Gymnastics Magazine, UCLA Gymnastics. Videos provided by Youtube USA Gymnastics, UCLA Gymnastics, Paulo E Gomes & Yes! its me account***

Region 5 Elites Who Chased Olympic Glory: Mackenzie Caquatto

Kim Dowis

August 2, 2016

Mackenzie Caquatto started gymnastics in 1994 at the age of 3, her mom Lin took her to a Mommy & Me class and like many she was hooked instantly. Mackenzie who was born in Naperville, Illinois started her gymnastics career at Aerial Gymnastics Club. When Mackenzie, who also has a younger sister who was an Elite Gymnast, once told her mom during the 1996 Olympic Games that she one day would be an Elite with dreams of the Olympics, Mackenzie worked towards those goals everyday after that moment.

While at Aerial Mackenzie was the 2007 JO National AA Champion, in 2007 Mackenzie would also compete in her first Elite competition the U.S. Classic held in Battle Creek, Michigan. Mackenzie then competed in the junior division at the 2007 Visa Championships finishing 16th in the AA. In 2008 the Olympic Year Mackenzie would become a Senior International Elite, which would now give her the opportunity to chase her Olympic Dream.

In the Olympic Year, Mackenzie competed at the U.S Classic finishing 1st on the Vault, 3rd on the Bars and 4th AA. This solid meet qualified her to the Visa Championships placing 10th in the AA securing her a spot on her first US National Team and a place at the U.S Olympic Team Trials. However, Mackenzie only competed in day 1 of the trials placing 12th in the AA on that specific day.

In 2009, Mackenzie began training along with her sister Bridgette at Naperville Gymnastics under two Chinese Olympians (Jiani Wu & Yuejiu Li). Mackenzie had a breakout year in 2009 having successful competitions at the U.S Classic and the U.S Nationals placing 3rd on the Uneven Bars and 5th in the AA then 2nd
on the Vault, Uneven Bars, 8th on the Floor and 3rd in the AA respectively despite suffering a pretty serious knee injury in June of 2009. After a successful showing at the US Championships Mackenzie was named to the World Championship Selection camp. She would be named as an alternate to the 2009 World Team. Mackenzie was them selected to represent Team USA at a few international competitions. The Toyota International Competition in Japan (2nd on bars), the USA-Germany Friendly Exchange (1st team, 2nd uneven bars, 3rd AA & vault ), the USA-France Exchange (1st team, 2nd AA & Vault) and then the USA-Japan Friendship Meet (1st team, vault & 2nd AA).

In 2010 Mackenzie found herself at a new gym, her coaches Jiani Wu & Yuejiu Li opened their own training facility in Naperville called Legacy Elite. Mackenzie started off her season representing Team USA at the City of Jesolo Trophy meet in Italy, where she placed 1st with the Team & 7th AA. Macko also competed at the CoverGirl Classic placing 2nd on Vault, Bars and 3rd in the AA, thus qualifying herself to the 2010 Visa Championships. At Championships she was 4th on Bars, 7th on Beam and 5th AA. Her placing at Championships would qualify her again to the USA National Team and onto the World Championship Selection Camp. Having been an alternate last year to the World Championships, in 2010 Mackenzie would selected at a Worlds Team member, at the final selection camp she won the AA. Mackenzie traveled to Rotterdam, Netherlands as part of Team USA. In Rotterdam, Mackenzie competed in the AA placing 9th in the qualifications, unfortunately she did not advance to the finals because of the two per country ruling. However, she did compete in the team finals on Bars and Vault contributing scores for both to the team. The USA Team ended up finishing 2nd behind the Russians.

After the World Championships Mackenzie, who had previously committed to the University of Florida on a full ride scholarship started her season with the Gators. In her freshman season Mackenzie faced some injuries, but still competed in the AA for her team at the NCAA Championships, however once the NCAA season was over Mackenzie decided to wanted to make an elite comeback, so she returned to Legacy Elite at competed two events at the 2011 CoverGirl Classic finishing 4th on the Uneven Bars. At the 2011 Visa Championships she’s competed in the AA finishing 4th, she also placed 2nd on the Uneven Bars. Mackenzie earned herself a spot on her 4th US National Team and a spot at the Worlds Selection Camp. Unfortunately, while doing a dismount off the beam she injured both her ankles and had to withdraw from the selection process.

Mackenzie returned to the University of Florida for her sophomore season, however she would only compete the Uneven Bars and eventually the balance beam. In 2012 the Gators placed 2nd as a Team at the NCAA Championships and Caquatto placed 6th on the Uneven Bars. In 2013, Mackenzie helped the Gators win their first NCAA National Championship in the schools history, she also placed 4th on the Uneven Bars and Balance Beam. In her final year as a Florida Gator Mackenzie once again helped lead her to their second NCAA Championship Team Title and placed 4th on the Uneven Bars.

Mackenzie had fought through injuries and adversity to find great success in her gymnastics career as an Elite & a Collegiate Student-Athlete. As a Florida Gator Mackenzie received many honors, as a Freshman she received SEC Freshman of the week honors, multiple event titles. As a sophomore she earned All-America first-team honors at the NCAA Championships for the Uneven Bars, All SEC Second Team member and she was a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. In 2011 as a Junior Caquatto, earned All-America first-team honors at the NCAA Championships for the Uneven Bars and Balance Beam, first-team All-American for the Uneven Bars and Balance Beam in the first National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches (NACGC) All-America regular-season awards, she was also the fifth Gator Gymnast to score a perfect 10 on the Uneven Bars and first since 2009, she was named the SEC Specialist of the Week, she also shared team’s Heart & Soul award and was again a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and named to NACGC Scholastic All-America team.

In her final season she earned again first-team All-American honors for the Uneven Bars and Balance Beam at the NCAA Championships and the NACGC All-America regular-season awards. She also earned All-Southeastern Conference honors, she won 7 event titles throughout the season, she also was selected as a SEC Community Service team member, a recipient of $5,000 scholarship as a nominee for SEC Brad Davis Community Service award, was named co-Gator Heart & Soul Award recipient and received the “Communigator” award at her team banquet. She was also a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the 4th year in a row.

Mackenzie graduated in 2014 with a bachelors degree in elementary education, she has wanted to become a teacher since she was very young. After graduation she would go onto her graduate degree from the University of Florida, in 2015 she graduated with her Masters in Elementary and Special education. Currently she is in the second year of of Florida’s three-year ProTeach program. Mackenzie can be seen in the stands at Gator Gymnastics Meets cheering on her former team, but most importantly her younger sister who is also a Florida Gymnast.

Like many Region 5 Athletes before her Mackenzie chased her Olympic Dream, she however was plagued by injuries, but she did work hard, persevere and did something super hard and special, competing in both NCAA & Elite at the same time, not many have achieved this feat. Mackenzie found success at the University of Florida, and on the world stage. Thank you Mackenzie for inspiring not only the Elite & Olympic Hopefuls of Region 5, but all gymnasts in general. I hope through your teaching that you continue to inspire and education young people for generations to come.

Here are Mackenzie’s routines from the 2008 Olympic Trials and 2010 World Championships:

2010 Worlds Beam, 2010 Worlds Floor, 2010 Worlds Bars,

2008 Olympic Trials Vault

***Pictures provided by Google Search, Info & Bio provided by USA Gymnastics, Wikipedia, Gator Gymnastics and Videos from Youtube Gymcat67 & Gymnweb Account***

Eye on 5: Payton Richards, Aerial Gymnastics | Great Biology, ATTACK MODE!

Jason MacDonald

July 30, 2016

This Eye on 5 (sponsored by Midwest Gym Supply) features 2016 JO National JRE AA Champion Payton Richards from Aerial Gymnastics. Payton talks about her journey in gymnastics that has taken her to the top of her sport. The road hasn’t been without its struggles including surgery to remove a tumor in her hamstring. Her experience training in the elite arena has helped her to be more focused and determined level 10. Payton is a outgoing free spirit athlete who puts her teammates in front of her and just enjoys the process that is gymnastics.

Region 5 Elites who chased Olympic Glory: Bridget Sloan, Sharp’s

Kim Dowis

July 28, 2016

Region 5 is one of the most decorated and accomplished Regions in the entire country, our next Region 5 athlete certainly contributed an enormous amount to that success. Bridget Sloan from Pittsboro, Indiana trained under Marvin Sharp at Sharps Gymnastics for her entire career. Bridget who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio began gymnastics at Sharp’s at the age of 4. Bridget set her sights on the Elite level pretty quickly becoming an Elite at the Age of 10! Bridget was named to the USAG Child Elite National Team.

As an Elite, Bridget competed in many National and International competitions. She had many great opportunities to travel the world representing Team USA. Bridget competed as a Junior International Elite competing at the U.S Challenge, U.S Classic, American Classic, Visa Championships and Internationally at the Gymix in Montreal.

In 2007 Bridget would move into the Senior ranks and finally have the opportunity to represent Team USA at the highest level. In 2007, she competed at the U.S Classic held in Battle Creek, Michigan placing 1st in the AA and top 3 on the each event. She went onto the Visa Championships where she placed 5th in the AA and 2nd on Floor. Bridget also competed internationally in 2007 at the Houston International Invitational, The USA vs Great Britain International Competition, She was the 1st Alternate to the World Team in Stuttgart, she also rounded out 2007 competing at the Good Luck Beijing event and the Toyota Cup in Japan placing very well at each international competition.

However, 2008 was the big event the Olympic Year! At the beginning of the year Bridget was on the Team that traveled to Jesolo, Italy for the City of Jesolo Trophy Meet, where she placed 1st with the Team. During this meet misfortune struck Bridget was forced to sit out of the competition and would not compete again until the Visa Championships in the summer. Bridget had suffered a meniscus tear which required surgery to repair, having surgery this close to the most important meet of her life was a bit nerve wracking for Bridget. At Visa Championships Bridget only competed on Bars and Beam placing 3rd & 7th respectively. Bridget was definitely showing signs of promise and that she was ready to vie for a spot on the Olympic Team. At Visa Championships Bridget was named to the National Team and invited to the 2008 Olympic Team Trials.

At the Trials, Bridget did have a few mistakes, but she showed readiness to prove to the selection committee that she was back in top form and deserved a spot on the team. Once trials concluded 14 girls were invited to the Olympic Selection Camp to be held at the Ranch in Houston, Texas. At the conclusion of the camp, Bridget was named to the 2008 U.S Olympic Team and would travel to Beijing China.

During the Olympic Games, Bridget had solid routines she competed in both the qualifying and team finals. In the qualifications Bridget’s routines were critical do to that fact Team USA had two injuries right before the competition, so the USA was forced to put up 4 routines on three of the events. In the Team finals Bridget competed on Vault, contributing to the overall team score and helping the USA earn a Silver Team Medal.

After the Olympic Games were finished, Bridget traveled on the Tour of Champions for a few stops, but decided to hold onto her NCAA eligibility and continue training to be ready for competition in 2009 and make a run at another Olympic Team. Bridget was the youngest member of the US Olympic Team, so it was only natural for her to return to Elite competition. Heading into 2009 Bridget would find herself with a new training partner, her 2008 Olympic Teammate Samantha Peszek would join her at Sharp’s.

In 2009 Bridget started off her season at the Tyson American Cup, placing second to a fellow Region 5 Elite and future Olympian Jordyn Wieber, who at 13 years old was competing as a junior in the senior competition. After the American Cup Bridget traveled to France & Germany for a friendly exchange meet, the USA placed 1st as a team at both meets and Bridget took home All-Around Gold. 2009 proved to be a very successful year for Bridget winning every competition she entered. Bridget would become the 2009 US National Champion and a few months later the 5th US Women to win the World Championships Gold Medal.

These great accomplishments did not stop Bridget, in 2010 she competed at the CoverGirl Classic placing 2nd AA & 4th on Balance Beam, she also competed at the Pacific Rim placing 1st with the Team and the World Championships placing 2nd with the Team and 4th on the Uneven Bars. 2011 was a slow year for Bridget she had suffered a few different injuries in 2010 and needed to get healthy from those. She did not competed at the U.S Nationals nor the World Championships
however, she did earn a spot on the Pan American Games Team where she competed on Bars and Floor helping Team USA place 1st as a Team. After a successful showing at the Pan American Games, Bridget petitioned into the 2012 U.S Championships, she was unable to compete at the U.S Classic because her coach was unable to be there do to his fathers funeral. At the U.S Championships Bridget competed on all 4 events for the first time since 2009. After the competition Bridget had earned herself a chance to compete at her 2nd Olympic Trials. However, on the first day of competition she fell from the Uneven Bars and injuries her elbow, withdrawing from the competition and thus preparing herself for the next chapter of gymnastics an life as a student-athlete on a full scholarship at the University of Florida.

Bridget really excelled in college gymnastics, in her freshman season (2013) with the Gators Sloan took top honors in the AA, Balance Beam and with the Team which was also Florida’s first NCAA Team Title, she also placed 2nd on the Uneven Bars and 4th on Floor. Bridget is an eight-time All-American in numerous events in the Championship Season and the Regular Season. In 2013 Bridget was also named as the 2013 recipient of the Honda Sports Award, recognizing her as the outstanding women’s college gymnast. Bridget became only the fourth freshman to win the honor in the award’s 37-year history, and the second consecutive Florida freshman to win.

Moving onto Bridget’s Sophomore Season with the Gators, she helped lead he team to its second consecutive NCAA Team Title. Bridget also won the Uneven Bars title and racked up several All-American honors as well at the SEC Gymnast of the Year and first team All American status on all four events. For Sloan, 2015 was plagued with injuries and perfect 10s, she was forced to sit out 5 meets with an ankle injury. Bridget returned to competition near the end of 2015 and helped the Gators capture their third straight NCAA Team Title. She again earned first team All-American honors and she became the first gymnast from Florida to earn perfect 10.0s on all four events, and is only the seventh NCAA gymnast ever to achieve this honor.

In 2016 Bridget’s senior season with the Gators, she finished her college career the same way she started it as the NCAA All-Around Champion, she also added another Uneven Bars and Beam Title to her resume.

Bridget has earned many honors in her time as an athlete, she was inducted into the Indiana Sports Hall of Fame, The Region 5 Hall of Fame and she has earned something no other gymnast has before her, the Trifecta! She has won an Olympic Medal, The US National Title, The World AA Title and NCAA AA Title. Bridget certainly does hold her spot in history.

In 2016 Bridget graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in communications, as of right now Bridget still lives in Florida and is contemplating Graduate School. No matter what Bridget decides to do following her Florida Graduation, I know that she will strive for perfection and accomplish anything and everything she sets her mind too.

Thank you Bridget for everything you have done for the future of Region 5 Elites, Olympic Hopefuls and anyone who you have touched with your amazing gymnastics career! I hope that you continue to inspire and succeed in anything and everything that you do in the next chapter of your life.

Watch Bridget’s Routines from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Floor Exercise, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Vault-Team Finals

***Imagines provided by Google search & Facebook, Bio & History provided by USA Gymnastics, Wikipedia & BridgetSloan.com. Videos provided by Youtube account us015, NascGym & Dee***

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