Mahwah Gymnast Sets Sights On Olympic Qualifiers

MAHWAH, NJ — Starting her gymnastics journey at age 5, Mahwah resident Olivia Kelly trains for three to four hours a day, six days a week in a gym, perfecting form and technique, and the years of work she has put in is now shining through.

"My whole life is devoted to gymnastics," the 16-year-old said. "I love to flip and swing on the bars. I feel like my inner child comes out."

Kelly, a USA Women's Development Program gymnast, is eyeing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, which she never thought possible. Her qualifying pathway will take her through several world-class competitions, such as the Pan-American Masters Games, leading up to the Olympic Trials.

She is fresh off a first-place all-around win at the 2022 Jamaica Gymnastics Classic, an International Gymnastics Federation meet; and a bronze medal on the balance beam at the USA Women's Development Program Level 10 Nationals in Arizona, a news release

Kelly, a New York native, will also represent the Barbados national gymnastics team at the elite international level this summer. She has dual citizenship via her paternal grandfather, who was born there, and said she is excited to give back to the beautiful island nation that she loves.

"I never thought I would be going this route. I get to live my childhood dream of competing internationally," she said. "It feels unreal. It is very, very crazy."

Kelly has trained for several years under former U.S. National Team member, Ashley Umberger, owner of North Star Gymnastics Academy in Boonton.

"Olivia has always had a standout quality," Umberger said. "She has the ability, works hard and thrives in high-pressure situations; she is the perfect trifecta."

In the coming weeks, Kelly said, she will focus on performance quality and the details of her routine and try to stay physically and mentally healthy.

"Whatever happens, I will be glad that I gave it my all," Kelly said. "I have devoted so much to this sport, and I will be happy with whatever I end up doing."