At last week's National Gymnastics Championship in Greensboro, NC, YMCA of McDonough County gymnasts brought home several awards, including first place finishes and a national champion.
Tanya Schmidt, owner of PGASEvents and former YMCA gymnastics director, led the team for the final time at the national event.
'Our athletes had an outstanding showing, and it is always an honor to be part of these national experiences,' she noted.
Madison Harris earned first place in the uneven bars, was crowned National Champion on uneven bars and had an outstanding overall performance in the women's Xcel Gold category. She also placed third in vault, and fourth in balance beam and all-around.
In the Silver Division, second-year Silver gymnast Sydni Thomas won third place in vault and all-around, fifth on the balance beam, seventh place for uneven bars and eighth place in floor exercise. Thomas also earned a National Championship podium finish in the all-around competition.
Megan Potts earned seventh in balance beam and floor exercise, and eighth place all-around. Oakleigh Guarin, in her first year as a Silver gymnast, earned fifth place in vault.
In the Bronze Division, Virginia West competed in her first national championship, earning eighth in floor exercise, 10th in vault and 11th in balance beam and all-around.
“I also want to recognize one athlete who exemplifies perseverance and resilience,' Schmidt shared.
'Paisley Bedwell competed in her first season as an Xcel Gold gymnast after progressing through the Bronze and Silver divisions over the last several years. At previous National Championships, Paisley earned third-place and second- place national finishes in the Bronze and Silver categories. This season, despite overcoming numerous challenges, she continued to work tirelessly and earned an impressive 18th.' At the United States Tumbling Association National Championships, which took place in Madison, WI, Caitlyn Potts qualified for nationals during her first season as a Sub-Novice tumbler along with several teammates. Caitlyn opted to represent the YMCA program at the national level and finished 18th in the nation, a tremendous accomplishment for a firstyear competitor.
Syndi Thomas (3rd place, middle)
Oakley Guarin
Virginia West & Tanya Schmidt
Megan Potts
Paisley Bedwell
Maddison Harris
'As a coach I am incredibly proud of all of these athletes and the dedication they demonstrated throughout the season,' Schmidt added. 'Their success reflects not only their hard work, but also the support of their families, coaches, and community.'
