It’s more than 2,000 years old, but WS students still flip for gymnastics. Whether it is gracing the balance beam or doing flying off a spring board, gymnastics is well known across the globe because of its status as a main event in the Olympics. Students may recall the summer Olympics in 2012 where the US Women’s gymnastics team, including the famous Gabby Douglas, swept the board winning two first places, one second place, and one third place medal. There is, however, much more than just the shiny leotards and daring routines.
“I like how the people are really nice and the coaches are really supportive,” said freshman Isabella Padilla, a member of the WS gymnastics team.
International gymnastics is divided into three different group divisions: Artistic, rhythmic, and aesthetic group gymnastics. Artistic gymnastics has the traditional events like vault and balance beam while rhythmic gymnastics has events like ball and hoop. Aesthetic group gymnastics are composed of large groups of gymnasts working together to perform one routine.
“I like floor the most,” said Waldrop, captain of the WS gymnastics team.
Gymnastics has changed over the duration of its two thousand year existence. In its early days in ancient Greek gymnastics was simply stretching exercises that athletes performed. Thousands of years of evolution later these once common workouts have changed into a world of high energy routines and extreme skill. With that skill comes hours of practicing for competition.
“My biggest moment was when I got ninth place in an invitational. It was like a wake-up call,” said Waldrop.
Whether they’re on the big stage at the Olympics or in a local gym preparing for a competition, gymnasts work hard to be good at what they do. Like any other sports team, they share a strong bond with each other, and work together to be the best they can be.