Delilah, Andrew, and Jessica traveled to Colorado Springs last week for the 2016 Elite Challenge.  The competition was quite intense as it was an elite mobility meet, the 3rd and final National Qualifier for all elite divisions, the 1st of 2 National team selection meets for eligible juniors and seniors, and the 2nd of 3 Olympic selection meets for eligible seniors.  The competition was held at the Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Between just being at the OTC during an Olympic year and so much at stake for so many athletes, it was intense!  No holding back!  Go big or go home!  

Delilah (senior elite) solidly finished her preliminary routines and qualified for finals competition. In finals, she again performed a solid routine, moving up and finishing in 7th place.  Andrew had a bit of a rough go on individual trampoline (open elite), but he redeemed himself with a last minute synchro pairing/entry where he brought home a gold medal as well as tying for the bronze medal in level 10 DMT.  Jessica (junior elite) completed two great routines in prelims-getting new personal bests in both compulsory and optional.  She went into finals in 2nd place and completed a solid finals routine–capturing the gold medal.  

The team managed to sneak away from the competition venue for what seemed like 20 minutes out of the entire 4 days.  It rained for about 15 minutes out of the whole 4 days.  Yes – their timing was impeccable (or NOT), but they did manage to get a quick visit to the Garden of the Gods!  

This time of year is very busy:  AP exams, final exams, school projects, class/school trips, graduations, spring cleaning, and this year it is time to buckle down for Nationals!  For the first time (ok maybe it’s not the first time, but it’s the first time that I know of), Nationals will occur before school is out!  The USA Gymnastics Championships is less than 1 month away!  This will be a very exciting event as 1.  It’s Nationals-what’s not exciting about that?!   2.  Olympic Team as well as US National Team will be named!   See you there!!!