Whiz Kid: Maddie Jacobs

Grayslake Patch is featuring local kids, youth groups or sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing kids, of any age, and we'll highlight their success in our Whiz Kids column.

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Whiz Kid: Maddie Jacobs 

Grade: just completed 7th Grade 

School: Grayslake Middle School 

Accomplishment: Maddie Jacobs of Grayslake had an outstanding year in gymnastics with strong finishes at meets throughout the season. She was named the  All Around State Champion, winning the USAG Level 7 State Gymnastics Meet with a score of 38.325 in Bloomington during an April 10 meet this spring. 

Maddie's individual event scores that were combined to win overall were: Vault - 9.60, 4th place; Uneven Bars - 9.525, 2nd place; Balance Beam - 9.475, 4th place; and Floor Exercise - 9.725, 3rd place.

Maddie also won a National title on Floor Exercise with a score of 9.60 at the National Judge's Cup Championships in Phoenix, AZ in January, the only national meet in the country held for Level 7 gymnasts. She was one of six gymnasts representing the State of Illinois. 

Key to Awesomeness:  Despite multiple injuries and setbacks during the year including the possibility of having to quit the sport of gymnastics altogether due to a spine issue, Maddie always pushed herself and believed 100% that she would overcome these challenges and continue competing in the sport she loves.

Her determination and positive attitude not only helped her become a State Champion, but also made her a key contributor to the 1st place state win by the Level 7 Senior Team, as well as a 3rd place state win by the Level 7 Combined Age Team from Ultimate Gymnastics in Gurnee.