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Gymnasts abuzz over their success

G. Sean KellyGSPI Sports Editor
Post Independent Photo/Kara K. PearsonHope Whitman, 11, goes round and round a bar at the Glenwood Gymnastics Academy as she fits in one last practice before she goes to the level 7 state meet this weekend. Whitman and seven other gymnasts are competing.
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The mood was giddy at the Glenwood Springs Gymnastics Academy Thursday. Of course for 11- to 13-year-old girls, there is rarely a shortage of smiles or giggles, but there was more to it Thursday as eight gymnasts prepared for this weekend’s level 7 state gymnastics meet in Boulder.

“We waited so long for state,” said 11-year-old Hope Whitman, who pointed out that the group exceeded the expectations of most people by qualifying for the event in their first year at level 7.All eight gymnasts jumped one or two levels this season. None started the season at level 7.”We knew they would come around. We just didn’t know if they would come around in time” for the state meet, head coach Rob Jones said. “Everybody had to move up one or two levels. I’ve never moved anybody up two levels in a season.”

Corey Gera, Taylor Chenault, Lyndee Zelenka, Whitman and Catherine Chenault will all be gunning for high marks in the ages 8-11 level 7 division, while Maria Mork, Brittaney Cole and Theresa Gabriel are in the 12-13 level 7 division.While the ultimate goal for gymnasts is the perfect 10, the Glenwood Academy gymnasts admit they would be happy with some high 8s and 9s.



“Most judges don’t give perfect 10s. It’s really, really hard,” Catherine Chenault said.”I expect them to place in the top 10 in some events,” Jones said. “If they do better than that we will be pleasantly surprised.”The 12-13 division competes Saturday in Boulder, while the 8-11 division is in action on Sunday.


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