Local rhythmic gymnast heads to 2012 USA Gymnastics Championships

CARMEL VALLEY — Carmel Valley resident and Canyon Crest Academy freshman, Andria Gao, has qualified to compete in 2012 USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Championships. The competition will be held in conjunction with U.S. Olympic Trials for Artistic Gymnastics in San Jose, June 26 and 27.

On June 8 and June 9, at the ESPN Wild World Sports Complex in Florida, Gao had a strong showing at 2012 Junior Olympic and National Qualifier for USA Rhythmic Gymnastics. Her performance earned her a berth at 2012 USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Championships. Nationwide, only 25 gymnasts were qualified in junior level. Gao earned 13th place all around. She also earned an eighth-place medal in Clubs routine. She is a gymnast of level 10, the highest level in USA Gymnastics competition.

As the only gymnast from San Diego to attend 2012 USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Championships, Gao started training for rhythmic gymnastics at age 5. Now she trains 15 hours per week in gym and additional hours in ballet classes. She is coached by Iordanka (Dani) Kovatchka of SoCal Rhythmics club. Kovatchka is a former World Championship Silver Medalist from Bulgaria.

Rhythmic gymnastics consists of music, apparatus tossing, dance movement, leaping, pirouette and balancing. This is Gao’s second year qualifying for this annual event.

The SoCal Rhythmic club has recreational program in addition to the competitive team and is always looking for enthusiastic new gymnasts. Summer camp is available. Visit socalrhythmics.com for more information.