What is, a Level 10 gymnast? As a competitive gymnast, one must graduate from each level, 1 through 9, to reach the coveted Level 10. The first three levels are considered developmental and are not sanctioned by USA Gymnastics for competitive ranking. Formal competitions, however, begin at Level 4. To qualify for Level 10 status, a gymnast must be at least nine years old and have attained at least a 34.0 all-around score as a Level 9 gymnast. The only thing higher than Level 10 is a level simply known as “Elite.” And after that—well, there is no after that. We sat down with three accomplished young gymnasts—very high-level gymnasts—who train in New York City.
Alexis Page
13 years old
Rhythmic Gymnastics_ Level 10
Wendy Hilliard Foundation
Other Hobbies: Reading, writing poetry and short stories
If you’ve never seen a rhythmic gymnastics routine, I suggest checking out young phenom Alexis Page on the website for the Wendy Hilliard Foundation.
She brings so much maturity and poise to her routines, and she’s only 13 years old! It’s no wonder that her performance at August’s National Junior Competition won her a spot representing the USA on the National Team for Rhythmic Gymnastics. Alexis has traveled the world with her sport to places like Portugal, and perhaps this fall to Cuba.
Before you ever stepped foot in a gymnastics class, what was the most gymnastics-like thing you ever did?
Doing gymnastics was natural for me. I taught myself how to do cartwheels, and once I was doing them in the hallway at my mom’s work. One of her co-workers was a cousin of Wendy Hilliard, and they suggested I should take classes. At that point I didn’t know rhythmic gymnastics existed, but it was love at first sight.
What’s the one piece of furniture in your house that you use as gym equipment?
I like to use the couch for stretching, but also, the canopy bed.
What’s the one weakness that you don’t want the judges to see?
I need to work on my toes, pointing them to their furthest extension. I’m also careful about my knees, having them straight when I’m supposed to.
Do you think Shawn Johnson deserved to win Dancing with the Stars?
(Slightly amused)I just really don’t have time to watch TV. My training takes up most of my free time, and then there’s still school work.
Sara Allan
16 years old
Gymnastics_ Level 9
Chelsea Piers
Hobbies: Co-head of high school’s Environmental Board
Last year, Sara competed as a Level 9 gymnast, so she currently sits on the cusp of reaching her short term goal of Level 10. Looking long term, she strives to compete for her university and excel in all events. When it comes to the balance beam, her most challenging event, Sara’s attitude is not to just give up. She will work on a trick 100 times a day if she has to, until she feels comfortable. Sara’s consistent determination is inspiring and will no doubt help her to achieve all her goals.
Before you ever stepped foot in a gymnastics class, what was the most gymnastics-like thing you ever did?
Well, I went to my first class when I was a year and a half old, so I don’t think I could do anything much other than walk at that point.
But after that I always used to walk on my hands all around the apartment. When I was like 5 or 6 I taught myself to do a one-armed cartwheel while holding something in my other hand that I didn’t want to squish, like a banana.
What’s the one piece of furniture in your house that you use as gym equipment?
Well, our house is pretty fragile, there aren’t that many things to climb on, so mainly the kitchen counters. I would climb all over them!
What’s the one weakness that you don’t want the judges to see?
Probably my nerves at the meets, cause I get really anxious sometimes and that effects how I do, especially on beam.
If I could really get rid of that, I’d probably do better.Do you think Shawn Johnson deserved to win Dancing with the Stars?
Um, (laughing along), I didn’t really get a chance to watch the show that much because I wasn’t home when it was on, I think it was on at nine and I really don’t get home until ten. But what I saw, I thought she was pretty good.
Lizzy Garcia
16 years old
Gymnastics_ Level 10
NYC Elite
Hobbies: Baking, making sock monkeys
Lizzy has been a Level 10 gymnast for six years. After battling a host of injuries she is now back to full strength and is looking forward to competing at the university level when she graduates high school. When I asked what her favorite event was, Lizzy told me that it varies. “Whichever event I’m best at that week, that’s my favorite.” Talking with Lizzy, it’s clear by the excitement in her voice that although so many grueling hours are dedicated to her sport each week, it never stops being fun!
Before you ever stepped foot in a gymnastics class, what was the most gymnastics-like thing you ever did?
Oh I used to swing from the monkey bars at the playground alot. My sister was in gymnastics when she was younger, and she was so awesome, so I wanted to do it too. I took my first class when I was 6 years old.
What’s the one piece of furniture in your house that you use as gym equipment?
I would stand on the arm of the couch and try to flip off of it onto the seat cushions. It was so much fun. I used to get in so much trouble! But now I can see how dangerous it is.
What’s the one weakness that you don’t want the judges to see?
I get very nervous, and I feel it before every event. Usually once I’m out there, it goes away. But sometimes I freak out! I don’t want the judges to see that. So to shake it off I think to myself, “be confident,” I stay in my box, concentrate on my routines, try to keep my adrenaline low and focus.
Do you think Shawn Johnson deserved to win Dancing with the Stars?
(Ecstatic) Oh I loved it, I thought she was really great! However, I do think she had an advantage over the other contestants because gymnastics and dance are very closely related. She was great though!
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