Hard work pays off for Denali Gymnastics athletes

WASILLA — Gymnastics is not an easy sport.

Athletes practice more than four hours per day, five days a week. But last week, three members of the Denali Gymnastics team saw all of their hard work pay off. Alisandra Marvel, Jayde Chan and Abigail Lynch each used their efforts during the Alaska state championships to qualify for the regional meet, which begins April 9 in Helena, Mont.

Marvel, Chan and Lynch were among 51 athletes from Denali Gymnastics to compete in the state championships, Denali coach Melissa Chan said. Each of Denali six teams in the tournament finished in the top 2 of their respective standings, and Chan said she “can’t count the champions on two hands.”

The three regional qualifiers highlighted Denali’s great state meet. Chan said all of her athletes worked hard to get where they are, putting in the time during practices that last about four and a half hours.

“It’s one of the hardest sports out there. It demands a lot,” Chan said. “They are dedicated.”

Marvel qualified for the first time at Level 9. Marvel, 14, is an eighth-grader at Colony Middle School. At Level 9, she competed primarily against high school-aged athletes.

“I think it’s fun,” Marvel said about competing against older girls. “It gives me a challenge.”

Chan qualified at Level 8 for the second time. Lynch also qualified at Level 8.

Marvel and Chan both won all-around honors at their respective levels. The work in four events (uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise and vault) is factored into each all-around score.

“Each event focuses on something different,” Melissa Chan said.

Chan said every athlete has their strengths, or their favorites.

“My favorite is the bars,” Marvel said. “I like floor. Everybody has different music, different routines.”

Marvel has been involved in gymnastics for nine years, competing for the Denali team. She said she was introduced to the sport by her parents, and has been hooked ever since.

“I fell in love with the sport,” Marvel said. “I like being part of a team, but also an individual. It’s fun. All of my friends (are in gymnastics). I have a lot of fun while doing it.”

Marvel said her goal is to compete in college gymnastics. Her more immediate goal is to advance to Level 10 next year. Level 10 is considered college-level competition.

“I think it’s realistic,” Marvel said of graduating from Level 9 to Level 10. “I’ve been competing at Level 9 for two years. It’ll be a little easier of a jump from Level 9 to Level 10.”

At regionals, Marvel said she hopes to finish in the top 12 and earn a spot in the western championships.

Melissa Chan said she knew her three qualifiers would be in contention for a spot in the regional meet.

“It all comes down to one day. They have only one routine, one shot at it,” Chan said.