From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
HOUSTON — A local group of gymnasts took to the mat in Houston over this past week to compete in the third annual Simone Biles International Invitational along with a field of teams from multiple countries.
ARK WinGS Gym, which is located in Trussville, sent 24 of its gymnasts to NRG Arena in Houston to compete in the three-day event against gymnasts from seven other countries: Panama, Mexico, Jamaica, Morocco, Ecuador, Bahamas and Iceland, as well teams from within the US.
“We are beyond excited about our performance at this international meet,” owner Tiffany Reed said. “Our girls showed the world what hard work and determination looks like.”
Along with the opportunity to meet the most decorated female gymnast in world championships history, Simone Biles, as well as the 2018 U.S. vault silver medalist, Jordan Chiles, the team participated in a Valentine’s Day dance and competed against some of the top youth competition in the world.
Overall, the team snagged a first place finish in Level 1, a second place team in Level 2, a fifth place finish in Level 3 and an eighth place finish in Level 6. The class programs are organized on a level/medal system that is based on progressions of skills and a special emphasis on technique.
In addition, four gymnasts on the team claimed the title of individual all-around champions: Pebblin Williams, Zadie Riley, Addison Smith and Madison Frazier.
The ARK WinGS Gym offers preschool gymnastics and cheer, tumbling, recreational gymnastics and cheer, boys tumbling and other specialty classes.