Gymnastics season here we come

Monika and Katie's competition season started on Saturday.  The USAG changed all the routines and added another level to competition.  Monika moved up a level but stayed the same number (5).  Katie didn't move up but got a lower number level (4).

With them being in two different levels now, they won't be competing at the same time.  We did luck out with this meet as they competed back to back.

This meet was the 1st qualifier, meaning that if they got a score 32 or higher they would get to go to state in December.

Each of them have goals for this session.

Katie was to get at least a 9 on one of the events.

Monika was to get an 9 on the floor as she hasn't gotten an 9 yet on the floor.

Both wanted to make it to state.

The last week and half it wasn't sure if they were going to compete.  Both of them had some injuries that they sustained outside of gymnastic.  They didn't get the go ahead from the doctor until Friday night.  The girls did a great job and both said they were very sore and wanted pain meds once they were finished.

My good friend who has a powerful camera was taking pictures again this year.  The pictures below are from Erin's camera (my got broken due to it getting dropped in Lake Superior).

Katie competed first at 9 in the morning.  Erin did both girls hair before she left for her volleyball tournament which her team got 2nd place.  Way to go Erin

Monika hanging out with friends before she competed.  These two friends were with Monika for years and competed the last two years with her.  One of the girls had fears with some of the skills that she couldn't overcome and no longer enjoyed gymnastics.  The other girl had many injures including fracturing her spine in a years time.  Her family felt it was best for her to give up gymnastics.  These 3 enjoyed playing around while level 4 (Katie) competed

Katie's team got 2nd place.  It a lot of fun watching the new routines.  Katie did a great job and she even hit both of her goals the first time around.  She got an 9 on the bars.  Another girl also got an 9 on the bars.  These were the only 2 "9" for the team. 

Monika's sorority sister competed against Katie.  It was fun watching her compete.  We will be seeing a lot of her since they are competing in a lot of the same meets.

Monika's team got fourth place.  They were pretty happy with it. and I was proud of them.  We had some girls that had some fears with doing some of the skills.  Some were able to work through the fear this time, and others weren't. 

Back home and proud of the ribbons and their placements for each event.  They received ribbons (and Monika got a medal)

Katie in her age group was second for all around and bars, 4th on vault and floor and 5th on Beam.  She had an injured foot that was causing a lot of pain.  She required it to be taped.  She was very graceful to watch.

Monika in her age group got First on Vault and was the highest Vault score for her gym), 2nd on Beam and this year she didn't fall of it like she has the last two years at the first meet, 4th on Bars and All around, and 13th on Floor.  That is her biggest struggle.  She is good at her floor, just gets hit for the little infractions (pointing toes, legs not together).  The medal is from the all around.  Monika groin was very painful after she completed.

Thank you Lord, for protecting Monika and Katie from further injuries with the foot and groin.  Now they can take an easier practice this week to completely heal as their next meet is a couple weeks away.