Local Gymnasts Excel In Manhattan Classic

The Bermuda Gymnastics Team returned to the island today after a successful outing at the 2013 Manhattan Classic Gymnastics Meet. This was Bermuda’s third trip to this prestigious competition, which hosts hundreds of gymnasts who compete simultaneously in four gyms at Manhattan’s Pier 94.

At Saturday’s USAIGC Bronze level session, the team finished 2nd out of 4 teams with a 102.52, just 0.95 out of first place. In the youngest age division, Chantae Wilson had a standout performance, earning 1st place all-around (35.55) as well as on vault (9.0), beam (9.0), and floor (9.35).

Bermuda’s all-around winners Chantae Wilson and Tomei Talbot:

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Jezhari Talbot was not far behind her in 3rd with a 33.15 all-around, and Yvé Smith finished in 4th (32.125). Logan Watson- Brown won the bar title in this age group (8.325), putting Bermuda on top of the podium in each event and the all-around.

T’aja Williams had her highest finish on beam (4th with an 8.1), Emily Gentile earned a 5th place on floor with a 8.65, Brianna Ray garnered a 5th place on bars with a 7.85, and Sanaa Burgess earned a bronze medal on the floor exercise with an 8.75.

In the next age division, Attiyah Morris was Bermuda’s highest all-around finisher with a 31.875 for 9th place. Holly Wakely was just behind her in 11th place (31.050), while Sasha Crumley’s top finish came on bars with an 8.0 for the bronze medal, and Daria Symonds finished 10th on floor with an 8.4.

Also on Saturday, Amy Gentile represented Bermuda in Saturday’s copper level meet, earning 9th place on both bars and floor with an 8.4 on each and 11th in the all-around.

On Sunday, Bermuda continued its strong showing with the Silver level team finishing 3rd out of 8 teams with a 106.15, once again less than a point out of first place. Bermuda’s top score came from Tomei Talbot, who won the gold on bars (9.175), beam (8.95) and the all-around (35.45).

Also in Talbot’s age group was Ava Marshall, who had her highest score on floor with an 8.675 (8th), and Kinae Dowling whose top performance came on vaulting (8.2 for 14th).

In the younger age division, Gianna Webbe’s 3rd place on bars (8.925) helped her to Bermuda’s top all-around score with a 34.95 (4th). Not far behind was Anah Lightbourne (7th, 34.45) who earned 4th place on floor with a 9.05. Kanzi Emery tied with Webbe for the bronze medal on bars and also earned 3rd place on vaulting with a 8.85.

Trinity Wilson’s top score came on beam (7th, 8.575), while Maya Malpas finished 8th on floor with an 8.525. Rounding out the group was Diamond Dill, who placed 8th on vaulting with an 8.7.

Finally, Bermuda had one gymnast enter the Platinum division (the second highest level in USAIGC). Tabytha Hofheins had her strongest showings on vaulting (8.6) and floor (8.55) and finished with a 32.00 all-around.

In addition to the medals and trophies that the individuals earned, the Bronze and the Silver squads were awarded the Manhattan Classic “Spirit of the Sport” Award for their sessions. The judges vote on this award for the team showing the best sportsmanship, team spirit, and passion for the sport.

The gymnasts will now turn their attention to preparing for June’s USAIGC International Championship, in Palm Springs, California.

The Bermuda senior squad (Tabytha Hofheins, Gabby Vincent, Sydney Mason, Zantae Dill, Danielle Wall, Clara James, Sadia Wilson, Samantha Soares, Anna Francoeur) is heading to the IGI Chicago Style Invitational this weekend to compete in what is deemed the largest gymnastics competition in the world.

It will be the last off-island competition for the team before May’s Bermuda National Championship where the 2013 Island Games team will be named.

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Category: All, Sports