Mahwah Gymnast Vaults To Nationals To Compete Against 'Best Of Best'

MAHWAH, NJ — A Mahwah gymnast has vaulted to nationals where she will compete against the greatest of the great in the U.S.

Olivia Kelly has qualified for the USA Gymnastics Development Program National Championship to be held next month after finishing top seven all around in her age group at regionals earlier this month, a spokesperson said.

She will now compete against gymnasts from all eight U.S. regions, representing all 50 states, at nationals from May 9-14 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. She had qualified for regionals, held April 13-16 in Virginia, after taking first all around at the state meet, Patch reported.

The Olympic hopeful earned a berth to nationals after placing third all around, with a score of 38.25, in the regionals' Level 10 — the most difficult, pre-elite level of club gymnastics. She notched the highest score in the bars, at 9.8, and a second-place win in the vault, at 9.7.

As Kelly moves to the national stage, the stakes will be even higher, a spokesperson said.

If the homeschooled athlete scores top four all around in her level and age division at nationals, she will go on to make up the USA Development Program National Team and receive an invitation to participate in a special training camp.

A student of North Stars Gymnastics Academy in Boonton, Kelly qualified for nationals alongside 11 of her peers — six of whom were in her level. Her gym had the most players qualify out of any other New Jersey club that competed at regionals.

She and her fellow North Stars gymnasts will represent Region 7 (comprised of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia) in their respective levels and age groups at nationals.

“Our athletes put in countless hours of training, year-round, to get ready for their season and they powered through stiff competition to compete at maximum level of performance,” North Stars part owner and head coach Ashley Umberger said. “We are excited for them to perform at this incredible annual event, where they will be among the best of the best in our country.”