Published: 12/08/2023 - 8:00 AM
As the spotlight fell on the gymnastics arena at the 2023 Liberty Cup, the Willow Grove YMCA Twisters gymnastics teams took center stage, delivering performances that left spectators captivated and inspired on December 1st to 3rd at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. With remarkable performances and a total of 15 individual event titles, the girls and boys teams left a lasting impression on the competition.
Click here to view the routines of the weekend.
Girls Gymnastics Team Highlights:
The Level 8 girls' team soared to new heights, securing a remarkable second-place finish as a team. Individual achievements included Payten Sullivan's outstanding performance, winning 1st place in Floor and clinching 2nd place in Beam and All-Around. Hannah Winters dominated in Vault and Bars, earning 1st place on both events and securing 2nd place in the All-Around. Remi Sasson impressed with 3rd place on Vault, 1st on Beam, and 3rd in the All-Around, while Kiera Bruton contributed with 3rd place on Beam and 2nd on Floor. Chava Trachtman added to the success with 3rd place on Floor.
The Level 7 girls' team also made their mark, securing a commendable third-place finish as a team. Individual highlights included Roxy Spector's 2nd place on Vault, Olivia Lee's stellar performance with 1st place on Beam and All-Around, and 2nd place on Bars. Mia Walinski displayed her skills with 2nd place on Beam and 2nd place in the All-Around, while Marianny Bisono excelled with 1st place on Vault and 3rd place in the All-Around. Leah Skrocki placed 3rd on beam and floor, while Julia Johnson contributed with strong performances in placing 1st on Floor and 3rd on Vault.
In the Xcel Gold level, Brenna Miller wowed the judges, securing 1st place on the Beam with precision and grace, and she also displayed her all-around skills, finishing in an impressive 2nd place. Addison Matlack demonstrated her floor routine expertise, earning 1st place on Floor, while also contributing to the all-around competition with a 2nd place finish. Additionally, Matlack showcased her beam skills, securing 2nd place in that event. Gabrielle Sims showcased her power and grace on the vault and floor exercises, earning 3rd place in Vault and Floor.
In the Level 5 category, Angelina Raysor’s artistry earned her a 2nd place on Floor.
The Xcel Diamond team demonstrated their prowess with Amira Wardlaw securing 2nd place on Vault, and impressive performances by placing 3rd on Bars and in the All-Around.
In the Xcel Platinum category, Julia Fiorentino and Gianna Loss impressed with 1st place in Beam each.
Emma Mihok and Kaitlin Bullick displayed their talents in Level 4, with Emma securing 2nd place on Bars, 3rd on Beam, and 3rd in the All-Around, while Kaitlin earned 1st place on Bars, 2nd on Floor, and 3rd in the All-Around.
Boys Gymnastics Team Highlights:
The Level 3 D1 boys' team celebrated a well-deserved 2nd place finish as a team. Individual achievements included Jayden Silva's 2nd place in All-Around, 2nd on Parallel Bars, 3rd on Rings, Vault, and High Bar. Michael Bullick rose to the occasion with 2nd place on High Bar, Vault, Rings, and 3rd on Floor, Pommels, Parallel Bars, and in the All-Around. Benjamin Coleman shone with 1st place on Floor, 1st on High Bar, 2nd on Parallel Bars, Vault, and 2nd in the All-Around. Lucas Sims contributed to the team scoring total with 2nd place on Floor and 3rd on Pommels.
In the Level 4 D1 category, Robeson Frey competed with passion and finished up with 2nd place on Pommels and 3rd place on Vault.
Upcoming Competitions:
Next up for the girls' team is the Star Struck Invitational at the Atlantic City Convention Center from January 12th to 14th. Additionally, they will be competing in the EPYGGL Meet at the Bucks and Hunterdon County YMCA in Quakertown.
For the boys' team, the PA State Challenge awaits them in Harrisburg on January 6th & 7th.
Routines of the Weekend
Abigail Hromisin
Aniyah Pringle
Averi Brady
Ella Tor
Francesca Sarullo
Gianna Loss
Lena Coleman
Michael Bullick
Payten Sullivan
Robeson Frey
About the Author
Mubarak Simmons
Gymnastics Director, Willow Grove YMCA
Mubarak has over two decades of expertise in gymnastics and acrobatics. He coaches young athletes to achieve their dreams while having fun in the sport. His career includes tenure as a stuntman at Walt Disney World Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show, and a key role in winning the 2005 NCAA Gymnastics Team Championship for the University of Oklahoma. Mubarak is a graduate in Political Science, and he enjoys motorsports and quality time with his family.