Plymouth Area Athletes Compete in ‘Gymnastics City USA’ Week
Minneapolis is “Gymnastics City USA” this week, hosting the USA Gymnastics National Championships, GymFest and the U.S. Olympic team trials.
Eight athletes from NorthWest Rhythmic, a gymnastics schools in Plymouth, took part in the action this week. They competed in the USA Gymnastics National Championships.
One of those athletes was Dana Turdalieva, who is from Maple Grove. She’s been doing rhythmic gymnastics for the last 10 years. Turdalieva said having a spotlight on gymnastics of all kinds in Minnesota is exciting.
“It’s honestly really great. I love traveling to other states, too, but having everyone come to Minnesota and having my school friends and my family being able to come watch me has been really amazing,” Turdalieva said.
Dana Turdalieva (right) was one of the Minnesota athletes taking part in the USA Gymnastics Championships.
Rhythmic gymnastics is similar to dance, with props like balls, hoops and ribbons. The choreography is precise and requires flexibility. Turdalieva said it’s exciting to raise awareness of the different style of gymnastics.
With the U.S. Olympic team trials starting Thursday, the eyes of the gymnastics world will focus on Minneapolis as Simone Biles, alongside locals Suni Lee and Shane Wiskus, compete to represent the U.S. Olympic team this summer.
Governor Tim Walz officially proclaimed Minneapolis “Gymnastics City USA” for the week. Senator Amy Klobuchar, co-chair of the Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, said getting the trials to Minnesota was well worth the work.
“To hold their breath as a gymnast flies through the air before sticking the landing,” Klobuchar said. “That’s what we did, Minnesota. We stuck the landing on this event.”
Elite competition started on Monday, and U.S. Olympic team trials begin on Thursday. More details and ticket information is available on the Gymnastics City USA website.
Walz shares his “Gymnastics Town USA” proclamation.
