Left to right (all of SW county) Maddie Nichols, Brooke Leftwich, Abby Slate, Kari Bishop Submitted by Allyson Leftwich

On Saturday August 1, 2009 four members of the Roanoke Academy Gymnastics team (all of SW Roanoke County) represented the state of Virginia in Colorado Springs, CO in the State Games of America.  The multi-sport Olympic style event matches medal winners from state competitions including the Coventry Commonwealth Games.

Roanoke Academy gymnasts Brooke Leftwich and Maddie Nichols became national champions.  Leftwich won four gold medals and a bronze in the level 5, 8/9 year old division, including first in the all-around competition.  Nichols produced a clean sweep of five gold medals including the

Sitting, Maddie Nichols, Abby Slate Standing Brooke Leftwich , Kari Bishop Coach Nikki Sweeny Submitted by Allyson Leftwich

all-around title in the level 4, 9 year old division.

Abby Slate won four silver medals in level 5, age 8/9 year olds and Kari Bishop won two silver and two bronze medals in the level 4, ages 11 and up.

More than 10,000 athletes qualifying from across the country competed in
31 sporting events at the State Games of America.  The gymnastics competition involved nearly 300 competitors from across the country.

Submitted by Allyson Leftwich