International Gymnast - December 2007

TWAS two thousand-seven, and all through the land, A young gymnast was stirring, the world at her hands. The juniors were over and done with by now, For one special girl who was eager to wow.

Her first senior test came quite soon in the year, At the Tyson American Cup with her peers. She led from Day One and astounded the crowd, With routines that were greeted by cheers very loud.

And later that March the young blonde was top rate, In a meet versus Britain, ’twas she who was great. Then down to Brazil for Pan Ams she did go, Taking four brilliant golds as the star of the show.

By now it appeared she was able to win, Regardless of whatever meet she was in. But things were about to get tricky, you see, With nationals, followed by worlds overseas.

And that’s when we learned what this gymnast could do, With a grin on her face, and such energy, too. In August she showed San Jose who had more, As the Visa champ, all-around, balance beam, floor.

For sure, she had proved with three golds she was best, But with worlds in two weeks there was no time to rest. To Stuttgart she flew with the rest of her mates, With visions of winning the worlds for the States.

But that’s when it seemed that her gold-medal streak, Might slow to a halt by the end of the week. She stumbled at bars when her feet hit the ground, And fell from the beam in the team final round.

However, her squad dug down deep for a rally, And tumbled and twisted to first with their tally. World champs once again, the U.S. could proclaim, With a star in the wings blessed with plenty of game.

The rookie corrected the flubs she had made, The all-around proved it, she never did fade. From vaulting to floor ex she zipped through her skills, And captured the gold with her might and her will.

But wait, there was more, to this kid’s stellar meet, When she dealt Sacramone a tearful defeat. Her triumph on floor meant a third shiny gold, And a growing respect for this fifteen-year-old.