The gymnasts in this room all have incredible talent and spend 12-20 hours a week training to be world class athletes. United Sports Academy in Dunmore has a long history of molding students into decorated gymnasts.
"It takes a special kid. Not everybody is born to be a gymnast. It's cultivated and sometimes there is potential and talent but it's what they do with that talent," said coach Mia DeAntonio.
Two level 8 gymnasts stand out for different reasons... 14 year old Donna Howell of New Milford started the season at level 7, but her consistent scores bumped her up a level and she recently became this year's level 8 all around state champ!
"There's a lot of good competition at level 8 because there's a lot of girls that are better on one event than the other so they just keep working hard, but there's a lot of talent," said Donna.
Gianna Sabatini, who goes by Gigi, is only 11 years old, and competes at level 8... Something not many girls her age can do! Gigi also happens to be an accomplished pianist and ballerina!
"I have a tough age group and they're really good kids. I think I feel accomplished with what I did at states," said Gianna.
Don't let these soft spoken athletes fool you. When it's time to compete, they turn into pint-sized powerhouses... focus being a key ingredient to being a great competitor... and that's how champions are made.
"It's tremendous focus! They need to be able to hone in their skills, be able to do it when it's needed, not just at the gym, but also in competition. Fierce competitors, that's what they are."
"I'm working on improving technique and just getting more precise. You have to stay really dedicated and really want it because if you don't want it in your heart, you really can't get it."
The focus now lies on preparing for Regionals in two weeks!