USAIGC TEAM WINS GOLD!
In its inaugural year competing in the USAIGC competitive circuit, Discovery’s gymnasts have achieved first place finishes at both the Ace Spring Classic and, most recently, the Beach Classic Gymnastics Championship. Other competitions have seen the girls attaining incredible standings, including the I Love NY Cup, where they took silver, as well as a third place finish at this April’s Heartland Classic.
For these seven brand-new competitors, Caitlin Freitas, Claire Davis, Emily Kabat, Maya Silver-Lewis, Olivia Baldassare,, Kira Friedland, and Nicole Rashkover, these achievements are extra impressive. The girls train at Discovery Programs with Ronnie Bellamy, a long-time gymnastics coach with a notable resume. Ronnie has been instructing young gymnasts in New York City for over fifteen years, and has previously been a Romanian national coach, working with lauded Olympic coach Bela Karolyi.
Individually, the girls have earned honors as well. At the Ace’s Spring Classic, Caitlin Freitas received five gold medals, while Emily Kabat and Olivia Baldassare received silver and bronze, respectively, in the all-around. Maya Silver-Lewis earned a first-place finish for her uneven bars routine and second-place for vault, while Nicole Rashkover took second in the balance beam and third in bars. Kira Friedland rallied up fourth-place finishes in floor exercise and bars. Claire Davis shared top all around score with Caitlin Freitas at the Beach Classic.
And how do these young gymnasts handle the pressure of competition? “I feel wonder-y, instead of feeling scared,” says Nicole, on pre-competition nerves. “It’s going to be a lot easier,” says Emily, about upcoming meets. “We know what to expect. It’s not like it’s going to be something new.”
Ronnie, who pioneered the USAIGC program at Discovery, is a huge part of the girls’ success. “Ronnie is awesome!” exclaims Clare. “They are like my children. They can call me ‘grandma,’” says Ronnie. “I believe it is important to combine fun with gymnastics.” Being in only its first year, Ronnie and Discovery Programs’ team looks forward to building on this excellent start. The hard work and dedication to gymnastics from these girls are evident, and as they become seasoned competitors, they can expect more incredible accomplishments.
Congratulations to our team!
We are so proud of them!
