By Tamas Mondovics
Young gymnast at Golden City Gymnastics, got a confidence booster last month after a visit by Olympian, Jordyn Wieber.
Wieber started gymnastics training at the age of 4, and went on to win numerous competitions in the sport, leading up to her selection to compete with the U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Joined by her teammates Gabrielle Douglas, Kyla Ross, McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman, Wieber took home a team gold medal—the first gold medal for the American women’s gymnastics team since 1996.
Her online biography, stated that, “a July 2012 Washington Post article described Wieber as an athlete with ‘impeccable concentration and a stoic demeanor,’ which she herself has described as character traits that help her perform better.”
While Wieber’s visit to Golden City was a highlight to many of the young talents with aspiration to one day stand on the Olympic stage, the event also served as a fundraiser for the Thomas Hamilton Gymnastics Scholarship Fund, which began after its namesake passed away from stomach cancer in May 2014.
Hamilton’s daughter, Skye, is one of those young gymnasts who, on her way to reach her dreams and athletic goals, eagerly looks to such examples as Wieber, Maroney, Douglas, Ross and Raisman for inspiration.
Skye had the privilege of spending some quality time with Wieber during the day-long event, which included some coaching and well-received instruction, along with raising money to help the hard working gymnasts achieve their dreams even if their parents do not have the funds to help them so do.
“Jordyn was so kind and caring towards all of our gymnasts during her visit,” said Golden City Gymnastics Compulsory Coach, Shauna Swartz. “She coached them and spoke to them about what it takes to be a high level gymnast. They were so inspired by her.”
Golden City Gymnastics is offering a variety of classes for boys and girls from 18-months-old to 18-years-old, and is dedicated to training the whole athlete, mind, body and spirit.
For information on class schedules and fees, visit www.goldencitygymnastics.com, or call 685-7770.
