Gymnastics enjoying an Olympic boost in interest
HUNTLEY — Interest in gymnastics is on the rise, local gymnastics gym owners report.
Olympian Simone Biles’ reaching 11 total artistic gymnastic medals following the Paris Olympics is the top reason, but there are other factors, Hugs Gymnastics owner Jenn Baker says.
“We get a lot of calls just before and during the Olympics,” Baker said. “Everyone wants to be the next Olympian.”
On a Wednesday evening, participants said they of course followed but also the Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, and the whole team that made artistic gymnastics a hit.
“I like how Chiles’ sticks the floor routine,” gymnast Holly Easterling said.
Avery Parker said she likes to the way Lee sticks the uneven parallel bars.
About 75 young gymnasts to teenage level six or sevens learn at Hugs the basics before even attempting Biles-like moves. Biles, 27, has gained greatest-of-all-time status in her sport, ending with three golds and one silver medal at Paris.
The men’s artistic gymnastics team of Asher Hong, Paul Juda, Brady Malone, Stephen Nedoroscik and Fred Richard won the team bronze medal to break a 16-year drought.
“We’re a 12-month program. We have tot, recreation and competition levels,” Baker said.
Baker, who competed in gymnastics at Deerfield High School, went into the gym ownership field after as she acquired Hugs Gymnastics of Huntley in 2018. Coaches are Beccs Thone, Brittany Tanski and Lindsey Derligo.
“It’s definitely not just gymnastics they learn,” Baker said. “Gymnastics is an individual sport, but they also learn you’re part of a team, perseverance.” The Olympics boost of interest is also taking place at Royalty Gymanstics, Dance and Tumbling (GDT).
“We definitely notice an increase, it’s called the ‘Olympic boom’,” coach Edmar Nicholas said. “Gymnastics offers seminars on how to handle it. I think there is more of an increase for girls gymnastics than boys.”
The five-year-old Huntley facility offered watch parties while the women chalked up medals and as well as the men’s squad, including ares gymnast Jade of Deerfield, won a team bronze medal.
“We keep growing and growing,” co-owner Marcie Mecher said.
Royalty GTD offers pre-school, recreational and competitive programs. The competitive season begins in November.
“We shared a similar vision of how we thought a gymnastics facility should be run. We stress the positive for families,” Mecher said.
Mecher praised the Royalty GDT’s high-quality staff.facility has a working agreement with Huntley Park District.
Nicholas’ background in gymnastics includes competing for Rolling Meadows High School. Although starting the sport freshman year, he qualified for the IHSA State Meet. Heroes include Blaine Wilson and Paul Ham.
