Atop the Podium

These are big moments.  The kind you remember forever.

Twenty-two and a half hours of training every week for 10 months, culminates at this one shot in front of the judges.  It's the state meet, where all of the best talent has gathered to put their routines against each other and hopefully qualify for the regional meet.

Alyssa was great!  We're blown away by the growth she's made this last year and it showed in her performance and placing.

Some lighthearted play with some teammates while waiting for awards.

Alyssa was fifth on vault with a 9.025.

She was third on bars with a 9.425, third on beam with a 9.25, and third all-around with a 37.3.  She liked that three:

But the highlight of the day was winning the gold medal for her 9.6 on floor.  

A state champion on floor!

Alyssa's team was also earned first place.  They are a state championship team!  

It was actually quite a dramatic finish.  The girls are divided into sessions by age group.  (Lys competed in the second of three sessions.) One of Alyssa's teammates was in the final session all by herself, but all of the other teammates were there to cheer for her.  We were quite the boisterous cheering section.  This little girl pulled out the meet of her life and her performance lifted our team score to tie with Cascade Elite Gymnastics.  USAG rules state that a tie is broken by the highest individual score which would then make Auburn Gymnastics the first place team.  But our coaches decided that they wanted to  share the title, calling both teams state champions.  They were praised for their sportsmanship and I loved it.

Jon made this great video which shows her entire meet in 3:43:

I get a bit teary watching the video.  I'm just so proud of her for making the most of her moment in front of the judges.

Congratulations, Alyssa!  You've worked so hard for countless hours.  You really deserve your moment on the podium.

Next up, regionals.