6 YMCA gymnasts medal at national competition

MANCHESTER, NH – The YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown Gymnastics team traveled earlier this summer to Cincinnati, Ohio, to compete in the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship.

In order to qualify, the athletes had to compete and finish at National Gymnastics standard levels twice in the last year (32 points or higher for the Level 8 team and 33 points or higher for the Xcel Platinum team). During the four-day national competition, the NH team attended an Opening Ceremony where former Olympian Shannon Miller was the guest speaker.

Over 1,600 gymnasts from 77 YMCA gymnastics teams from around the United States participated in the annual competition. Among the awards, the Allard Center Xcel Platinum Team finished in 6^th place overall out of 35 teams competing at that level. Equally and perhaps even more impressive were the individual awards as follows:

Hazel Ripple of Bedford

• 1^st All Around with a score of 36.275
• 2^nd on Vault with a score of 8.95
• 2^nd on Beam with a score of 9.175
• 2^nd on Floor with a score of 9.45
• 5^th on Bars

Parker Greenhalge of Weare

• 3^rd on Bars with a score of 8.85
• 7^th All Around with a score of 35.00

Paige Whelan of Bedford

• 3^rd on Vault with a score of 8.95
• 4^th on Beam with a score of 9.175

Kaelyn Gagnon of Manchester

• 7^th on Bars with a score of 8.525
• 8^th on Floor with a score of 9.2

Two members of the team competing at Level 8 finished as follows:

Jessie Seward of Goffstown

• 4^th on Beam with a score of 9.25

Cassie Seward of Goffstown

• 10^th on Beam with a score of 9.0

About The Granite YMCA

As one of the state’s longest standing and most enduring non-profits, The Granite YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and family strengthening. Across the state, its six branches engage 30,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to improve their health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2021, The Granite YMCA provided financial assistance and free services valued at over $1.29 million to 10,868 individuals. To learn more, please visit www.graniteymca.org.