Gymnasts make it to states

Three Salem gymnasts share their experience

Mary Alice Colvin, Staff Writer
March 15, 2022

Senior Dana Potter

What was it like being able to be an alternate and extending your last high school meet?
- I never thought I would be able to go to the states, let alone be an alternate. When I found out I placed fifth on beam (top four go to states) I was amazed! I went from falling on beam five times in a meet my freshman year, to landing each jump and sticking my dismount and earning fifth in the 5a region.
What makes a state meet different from just a regular season meet?
- There are so many different skills that I have never seen in Virginia Beach being competed. Each gymnast (for the most part) is encouraging of one another even in the midst of a competition.
How did it feel being an alternate?
- In full transparency, it did hurt a little knowing I wasn’t able to compete at this meet, but I was honored to know I was still fifth out of approximately 45 people. It was amazing! I loved having the opportunity to watch my best friend compete for the last time and my other close friend on her respective events.

What was it like being able to compete at states?
- It was amazing that I was able to finish off my last year going to the states. It’s always so surreal being able to compete against the best of the best in the state of Virginia.
What events did you compete in and which ones make you more nervous?
- I competed in all around, which is every event. The event that makes me the most nervous is the balance beam. These beams are about four inches wide and when you’re doing these crazy things on them, it can get a little crazy.
What makes a state meet different from just a regular season meet?
- At the state meet there are four event judges rather than just two. It also has a much more competitive atmosphere knowing that everyone there is just as good if not better than you.

What was it like being able to compete at states?
- It felt amazing, especially since it was my third year in a row.
What was it like being able to go to states with the seniors?
- It felt like it was our last hoorah together especially since they have been my rock since freshman year. I was really happy to have that experience with both seniors and it was like our official goodbye to our season.
What events did you compete in, and which ones make you most nervous?
- I competed in vault and floor. Honestly, both made me super nervous. It’s because I felt like I had a real shot of placing this year. I didn’t but I was two tenths away from actually placing.