By Tamas Mondovics
Tampa Bay Rhythmics gymnasts had a chance to shine earlier this month during the 2013 U.S. Rhythmic National Championships, which brought together a wide range of amazing talent to a one-of-a-kind competition.
Held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex’s HP Field House, located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, the event was organized for all levels of talent while it brought another successful season to a close for the dedicated Tampa bay Rhythmics gymnasts, who have been working tirelessly to get a shot at strutting their skills.
Led by owner and head coach, Tyana Marlowe, Tampa Bay Rhythmics was proud to take along 18 of her gymnasts, among them 16-year-old Valrico resident and first-year level 10 elite gymnast, Pamela Tang, who after two strong days of competition, finished the event just shy of the top 12.
“We had several state and regional champions this year and we were able to compete in all levels, four to ten, represented and the international elite division,” Marlowe said.
Marlowe emphasized that the event featured the best rhythmic gymnasts in the United States, representing gymnastics clubs from across the country, to determine the all-around and individual national champions.
Thanks to her strong performance during the 2013 Rhythmic National Qualifier in Chicago last month, Tang earned her level 10 or elite status and was able to compete in four events including hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon.
“I was a little nervous, but I had nothing to lose,” Tang said. “My goal is to keep improving and to represent Tampa Bay Rhythmics as a top 12 gymnast.”
Tang begin her career six years ago and has been training under Marlowe, which led to her speedy growth in the sport starting at level five, jumping to seven, and within a short time, she progressed to be among the elite.
“She is just naturally talented,” Marlowe said. “She is a strong and clean gymnast. There was little doubt of her success.”
While Tang seems to lack not strength, according to Marlowe, there is one thing even the most talented may have to put forth some extra effort to overcome.
“It is the fear of competition,” she said, adding that it was this fear which “Pamela had to overcome.”
Tampa Bay Rhythmics is located at 6542 Krycul Ave. in Riverview and is the first and only dedicated rhythmic gymnastics facility in central Florida and has been steadily growing since its opening in October 2008.
Marlowe along with her coaching staff and talented gymnasts, are once again looking forward to a busy summer and welcome new students.
For more information about Tampa Bay Rhythmics, please contact Tyana Marlowe at 741-2TBR (2827) or visit www.tampabayrhythmics.com.
