|
At the Newnan School of Gymnastics, three DCSS students are making big names for themselves in the sport. Erin, Jamie and Cayla Johnson have each been participating in gymnastics since they were two years old, and the three sisters have found great success in the sport.
Erin, a seventh grader at Fairplay Middle School, was a repeat Region 8 Optional Regional Qualifier in 2021 and 2022. Following the 2022 season, she scored out of her Level 8 status and has embraced competing as a Level 9 gymnast this season. So far at Level 9, she has overcome several challenges, including an injury, on the way to earning a top-10 finish in the All-Around competition at an event this year.
Jamie, a fifth grader at South Douglas Elementary School, was ranked as one of the top eight gymnasts in Georgia following her performance at the 2022 Region 8 Xcel Gold Regional Qualifier. This earned her the opportunity to represent the state as part of Team Georgia. Currently, Jamie is a Level 7 gymnast who has led her team to a first place finish and two second-place finishes this year.
Cayla, the youngest Johnson sister, is a second grade student at SDES. During her first competition season in 2022, she was also a Region 8 Xcel Silver Regional Qualifier. She now competes at the Xcel Gold Level and is excited to continue learning and adding accolades as her sisters have done.
Along with learning several valuable life lessons, the sisters have also had the opportunity to meet many interesting and encouraging individuals at their competitions. This year, the trio has already competed in three competitions in Georgia, South Carolina and Arkansas, and each trip has brought a different thrill for the sisters.
In South Carolina at the Hilton Head Island Invitational, the Johnsons met Dominique Moceanu, a retired American artistic gymnast who was a member of the 1996 US Women’s Gymnastics Team that took the gold medal in Atlanta. And in Arkansas, Erin was able to meet Kyla Ross, a retired gymnast who was the first to win NCAA, World and Olympic titles in her career.
“Being in the presence of greatness inspired these gymnasts to be the best versions of themselves, set personal goals, work hard, and have fun,” said Joy Johnson, the girls’ mother.
Along with finding success in athletics, each sister is also a stellar student. All participate in extracurricular activities in their schools, and each one is part of the Program Challenge gifted program.
With the season already off to a great start, the girls are now preparing for the state meet this month. The goal there is to qualify for the Regional meet once again.
| 
