Woodhull's Bella Thompson Earns State Medals
All the long hours of training paid off for Woodhull Intermediate School fifth grader Bella Thompson, who placed among the top young gymnasts in the New York Early States meet in Elmira.
Ms. Thompson captured first place balance beam, tied for first in vault, took third place in floor exercise, fourth place in the uneven bars and third in the all-around competition in her age category. The meet was held over a two-day period.
Joining Ms. Thompson at the state meet was fellow Woodhull fifth grader Baylie Larsen. The classmates are both members of the USA Gymnastics Level 6 Junior Olympic team at Gold Medal Gymnastics Center in Huntington. Coached by Tammy Marshall, the athletes train 17-20 hours a week, 12 months a year.
Gold Medal took first place in the team standings in Elmira, outdistancing its nearest opponent by more than seven points. The state meet drew many of New York's best young gymnasts, who were all anxious to show what the fruits of their hard work.
The two Woodhull gymnasts are back in the gym training hard. "They are pretty amazing kids and deserve a little recognition," said Nicole Thompson, Bella's mother.