Stars Conclude Overseas Season on High Twist Last overseas competition yields best results ever including win over T&T
“They beat Trinidad & Tobago! 2nd place, large medal count” were texted by family members and friends after the conclusion of the first session of competition at the 2013 Tim Rand American Twisters Invitational in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 8, 2013. The ten member team of gymnasts from Bahamas Star Gymnastics continued to improve on an already impressive season’s record. While they were edged out by a Florida based team with only fractions of a point for first place, the Level 2 Team’s second place finish was delightful considering how well they distanced themselves from their Caribbean rival, Trinidad and Tobago. The award winning Level 2 team was comprised of Madisson Deveaux, Kym-Benay Greene, Soraya Halkitis, Cheyanne Powell, Aniyah Pratt, Sanaa Saunders, Summer Sturrup and Jayna Wells.
Co-Head Coach and chaperone of the team, Kachara Marshall, applauded the efforts of the entire team who swept a number of first place finishes in the individual apparatus events and in the All Around. “This team is hungry for success and they don’t complain about the intensity of their workouts. They continue to aim higher. Best of all, they have improved their scores with each consecutive meet and this Team Award is icing on the cake for the season. They knew that they had T&T in their sights and it was all about national pride after that”.
One of the “starlets”, Aniyah Pratt, won the Level 2 All-Around for Age Division 1 with a 37.05 record high score. She delivered gutsy performances to secure first place finishes on the Uneven Bars and Floor Exercise with scores of 9.350 and 9.30 respectively. Her teammate, Sanaa Saunders, pulled ahead to win on the Vault (9.30) and Balance Beam (9.25) to seal a sweep for the team of 1st place on all events. Pratt joined BSG in 2010 and initially refused to touch the Uneven Bars for almost one year. With the help of her coaches, including Cindy Scharns a visiting coach from Branch Gymnastics in Michigan, Pratt shook of her shackles of fear and has clinched the Uneven Bars Champion award in two of her three competitions this season.
In Level 2’s Age Division 2, Summer Sturrup posted the highest All-Around score for her team, her club and the Bahamas to date with a 37.775 to land a second place finish. Sturrup’s journey to qualify for the competitive team was fraught with set backs of her own but through determination she fought through her nemesis and mastered the necessary skills. Patience paid off! Bespectacled Sturrup also rounded out her overseas season with a second place on Uneven Bars (9.475) and Balance Beam (9.375) and a third place on Floor Exercise (9.525). Nicknamed “Smiling Summer”, all of Sturrup’s score counted towards capturing the second place Team Award. Star Scholarship recipient, Cheyanne Powell, in her debut trip to the USA, tag teamed in the Age Division 2 of Level 2 to produce a stunning 9.525 on Floor Exercise.
In Level 6, the duo of Caitlin Cash and Sydney Wells continued to deliver better results. Both Cash and Wells have struggled with competing Level 6 for the first time but were able to overcome some of their previous hurdles. Cash’s goal to experience “no falls” on the Balance Beam was accomplished magnificently. As a result, she mounted the medal podium with a 5th place on Vault (8.675) and a 6th place on Floor Exercise (8.90). Wells’ goal was to break the 9.00 barrier which eluded her all season and she medaled in 4th place for Floor Exercise with 9.175 score.
On the Uneven Bars, Wells nailed a score of 8.20 and medaled with a 5th place and captured a 6th place finish in the All Around for her age division. Many spectators at the event noted the talent and high level performances of the Bahamian team. “It’s just something about them that turns heads”, remarked one on looker while rival teams and coaches huddled to draw attention that the Bahamian team were a fierce “bunch to watch for”.. Outfitted in their red and black team competitive leotards, one supporter reported “these girls are on fire and should they maintain the focus and intensity in their workouts, they will achieve at world class levels”. A Bahamian residing in Florida whose daughter competes for a Florida team summed it up in one word, “Wow!”
Bahamas Star Gymnastics (BSG) is preparing to host its 2nd annual “Invitational” on 6 April 2013 in conjunction with Bahamas Gymnastics Parent Booster Club. The inter-island event has doubled the number of teams from last year. Local teams face off to compete in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics using the USA Gymnastics’ Code of Points. BSG is committed to not only provide a platform for the development of its own athletes but for all Bahamian gymnasts by hosting and giving support to the hosting of competitive events such as Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Invitational.
Aniyah Pratt is announced as Uneven Bars Champion at 2013 Tim Rand American Twisters Invitational. Teammates Sanaa Saunders in 2nd place, Soraya Halkitis in 4th place and Jayna Wells in 5th place. Photo courtesy of Bahamas Star Gymnastics
Bahamas Star Gymnastics Level 2 team displays their 2nd Place Team Trophy at the 2013 Tim Rand Gymnastics Invitational, defeating Caribbean rival Trinidad & Tobago. Front row, from left Kym-Benay Greene, Soraya Halkitis, Jayna Wells, Aniyah Pratt and Sanaa Saunders. In back row, Madisson Deveaux, Summer Sturrup and Cheyanne Powell. Photo courtesy of Bahamas Star Gymnastics
Summer Sturrup,( in file photo sticking a dismount off Uneven Bars) scores highest All Around score on record (37.775) for club and country, at 2013 Tim Rand American Twisters International. Photo courtesy of Warren Grant/Bahamas Star Gymnastics
Aniyah Pratt, in file photo, Uneven Bars Champion (1st place medal) at 2013 Tim Rand American Twisters International. Photo courtesy of Warren Grant/Bahamas Star Gymnastics
Bahamas Star Gymnastics pose with their 2nd Place Team Trophy and medals at the 2013 Tim Rand Gymnastics Invitational, defeating Caribbean rival Trinidad & Tobago. Front row: Soraya Halkitis, Aniyah Pratt, Sanaa Saunders, Jayna & Sydney Wells. Back row: Kym-Benay Greene, Summer Sturrup, Coach Kachara Marshall, Cheyanne Powell and Caitlin Cash. Photo courtesy of Bahamas Star Gymnastics
