Grace's TOPS Testing

Grace's TOPS group; Amelia, Lauren, Rachel, Hannah and Grace.

The TOPS team at GAA

Grace had her very first testing for her TOPS program today. For those of you who don't remember, Grace is part of an elite gymnastics program called TOPS (Talent Opportunity Program). This is a program by which the USAG gymnastics identifies potential elite athletes and fast tracks them. This program is the direct road to potentially becoming a member of the USA National Gymnastics Team---where our Olympic athletes are chosen. Right now, 50% of the girls, who have been on the USA National Team, came up through the TOPS program.

Grace has been on the TOPS team for about 6 months now. She has made incredible progress. The testing today is one of three that she will participate in this summer. The best score of the 3 tests will be sent to the USA gymnastics. At this level, 7-8 year olds, Grace is not old enough to qualify at the National level and go to the Karolyi camp, that is for 9 years old and above. However, she is eligible to qualify her coach if she reaches the highest level.

Grace tested with some other girls who have been on in the TOPS program for 2 years and was not that far behind them. There are 9 areas the girls were tested in: handstand hold (timed, max is 30 seconds, Grace did about 5 secs), leg lifts (max is 20, Grace did 20), 20 meter sprint, cast (on bar), rope climb (6 feet in pike position), vertical jump, press handstand (start in straddle position and move to handstand), leg flexiblity test, and bridge test. If you want to see the requirements and explanation of each of the skills go here: TOPS TESTING

Grace had lots of fun, but did admit she was nervous prior to the testing. After testing, about 10 of the 17 families and coaches went to dinner. It was lots of fun and a great time to get to know some of the other families who have been on this journey a little longer.

From what I saw, Grace is just one talented little girl. Once again, I caution you to mark your calendars for Summer 2016--you won't want to miss that summer olympics--especially the gymnastics!