GAGE gymnasts aiming for championship

This isn’t just another day of practice at the Great American Gymnastic Express for Becca Clark, Claire Boyce, Brenna Dowell and Katelyn O’Hashi.

“They’re getting ready for the 2009 VISA Championships in Dallas,” said GAGE coach Al Fong, “and for all but Becca, this will be their first championships competition.

“They’re going to be going against the best in the world - the gymnasts who will likely make up the 2012 U.S. women’s team - and that’s what we want. We want them to go against the best to see where they stand.

“And we believe they’re among the best, too. We’re very excited about their chance for success at the championships.”

Eight 2008 Olympic team members, including all-around champion Nastia Liukin and silver team medalist Chellsie Memmel, Samantha Peszek and Bridget Sloan will be among the field of 375 competitors.

“I’d like to qualify for the world championships camp,” said Clark, 16, who will be a junior at Blue Springs South High School and who is competing for the first time at the senior level.

“It helps that I’ve been there before, so I know what to expect. I’ll compete in all four events - the beam, the floor, the bars and the vault - and the beam is my favorite.

“I have a lot of confidence right now, and we’ve all been working hard. It’s great to work with coaches like Al and (his wife) Armine. They have us ready mentally and physically.”

The three newcomers to the big meet all agree.

“I’m ready mentally and physically, but I’m still wondering what it will be like,” said O’Hasi, 12, a seventh grader at Sunnyvale Middle School in Blue Springs. “I haven’t really talked to Becca to see what it was like for her to go to her first championship because it’s so different for everyone.

“I’ve been in big meets and Al and Armine have us ready to go. It’s been a great week of practice and we’re all looking forward to getting to Dallas next Monday.”

Dowell, 13, an eighth grader at Odessa Middle School, is taking a realistic approach to her first championship event.

“It’s scary because it’s such a big meet and there are so many great things that can happen to you if you do well,” Dowell said. “I have a lot of confidence in myself and our coaches.

“I know I’m going to be competing against some of the greatest gymnasts in the country and I’m looking forward to that. Al and Armine have us ready to go and we’re excited. And even though there’s going to be a lot of pressure, I want to have some fun, too.”

Boyce said she has experienced a wide range of emotions heading into next week’s competition.

“I’m nervous,” said Boyce, 14, who will attend Lee’s Summit North High School, “but more excited than nervous. We’re all going to compete in four events and the bar is my favorite. Although, I like them all about the same.

“It’s just so exciting to think that next week, we’re going to be at the championships in Dallas. It’s been something we have trained for and worked hard for and now, it’s here. I can’t wait.”

The VISA Championships are the 12-15.

“I think the fans are in for a real treat this year,” Steve Perry, the president of USA Gymnastics said. “Having so many Olympians return to the VISA Championships the year after the Olympics will provide the opportunity for fans to see them matched up against our rising young stars.”