Published: 02/07/2024 - 8:00 AM
The stage was set in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas, at the George R Brown Convention Center, where the Willow Grove YMCA Twisters gymnastics team showcased their remarkable talents at the 2024 Simone Biles Invitational. This prestigious event, held from February 2nd to 4th, 2024, brought together over 3,500 competitors from across the country and international teams from Mexico and Canada. Amidst fierce competition, Twister gymnasts delivered outstanding performances, leaving a lasting mark on this grand stage.
Twister's gymnasts displayed exceptional dedication, hard work, and skill, earning a total of five individual gold medals and a well-deserved 3rd place finish for our Level 8 team. Their achievements are a testament to their commitment and the support of our incredible coaching staff.
Click here to view the routines of the weekend.
Level 8 Success:
Our Level 8 team secured a remarkable 3rd place finish as a team, showcasing their dedication and hard work. Leading the charge was Payten Sullivan, whose performance in Houston was nothing short of exceptional. Payten claimed 1st place on Vault and an impressive 2nd place in the All-Around competition. Her excellence extended to Beam and Floor, where she also secured 2nd place finishes. Payten's outstanding performances were truly a highlight of the competition. Joining her in the spotlight was Chava Trachtman, who displayed her skills with a 2nd place finish on Vault and impressive 3rd place finishes on Bars and Floor.
Key Routines Leading to 3rd Place:
The Twisters 3rd place team performance for Level 8 was a collective effort of clutch routines. Sydney Jones played a pivotal role with her remarkable routines, earning a score of 9.025 on Beam and an impressive 9.1 on Floor. These key routines, along with the outstanding performances of Payten Sullivan, Chava Trachtman, Kiera Bruton, Remi Sasson, and Toni Dallas solidified the Twisters team's 3rd place finish.
Level 7 Determination:
Our Level 7 team showcased their abilities with Roxanne Spector taking 1st place on Vault, demonstrating her remarkable skills and commitment to the sport. Mia Walinski's efforts were rewarded with 3rd place on Vault and an impressive 2nd place on Bars. Marianny Bisono displayed her aptitude by securing 2nd place on Vault and 3rd place on Floor, rounding out an excellent performance by our Level 7 team.
Level 6 Triumph:
In the Level 6 division, our team exhibited their talent and determination. Lena Coleman claimed 3rd place in the All-Around competition and impressed with her performance on bars. Cersei Pfeffer showcased her skills by securing 2nd place in Floor exercise. Aubrey Smith emerged as a champion by claiming the 1st place on Floor, a testament to her dedication and hard work.
Xcel Gold Excellence:
Adriyah Clark demonstrated her prowess by clinching the All-Around title in the Xcel Gold division. Her exceptional performance extended to Floor and Beam, where she secured 3rd place finishes, cementing her status as a standout gymnast in the competition.
Xcel Diamond Excellence:
The Xcel Diamond Team saw a standout performance by Katelyn Lyons, who clinched the 1st place on Floor. Her exceptional routine and precision were truly a sight to behold.
Level 4 Artistry:
Let's not forget Kaitlin Bullick's remarkable performance on the Level 4 team. Her floor routine displayed exceptional artistry, earning her a well-deserved score of 9.3 and a 4th place finish.
Top 3 Finishers
Level 8 - 3rd Place Team:
- Payten Sullivan: 1st Vault, 2nd Beam, Floor, All-Around
- Chava Trachtman: 2nd Vault, 3rd Bars, 3rd Floor
Level 6 - 6th Place Team:
- Lena Coleman: 3rd All-Around, Floor
- Cersei Pfeffer: 2nd Floor
- Aubrey Smith: 1st Floor
Xcel Gold - 7th Place Team:
- Adriyah Clark: 1st Place All-Around, 3rd Floor, 3rd Beam
Xcel Diamond - 5th Place Team:
- Katelyn Lyons: 1st Place Floor
Level 7 - 7th Place Team:
- Roxanne Spector: 1st Vault
- Mia Walinski: 3rd Vault, 2nd Bars
- Marianny Bisono: 2nd Vault, 3rd Floor
Routines of the Weekend
Payten Sullivan:
Adriyah Clark:
Mia Walinski:
Lena Coleman:
Up Next for the Twisters:
The Flurry of Fun on February 17-18 at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. Stay tuned for more incredible gymnastics action!
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 graduated with a degree in Political Science, and he enjoys motorsports and quality time with his family.