NH Gymnasts Vault Over Competition

GOFFSTOWN, NH — The YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown gymnastics team recently travelled to Savannah, GA, to compete in the 2017 YMCA National Gymnastics Championships recently, according to a press statement, and came home with a number of awards. Representing the team at the completion – which featured 2,000 athletes from more than 100 YMCAs across the United States – were Carabeth Norklun (Goffstown), Jennie Ess (Bow), Alyssa Rzasa (Derry), Kara Bryson (New Boston), Nikita Bhat (Bedford), and Hanna Kloiber-Bravo (Goffstown). Among the standouts were Norklun, who placed fourth on the floor, seventh on the vault, eighth on beam, and seventh all around. Norklun also qualified for the Level 8 All Around finals and became Top 25 in the nation for Level 8. Nikita Bhat placed sixth on bars.

“The team performed very well in a high-profile event,” said Meg Norklun, coach of the YMCA’s Gymnastics Team and Director of Gymnastics at the YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown. “They faced top competitors from across the country and did a wonderful job of representing themselves and our program. This sport takes a tremendous amount of dedication and this team reflects that. We’re all so very proud of them.” (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Bedford NH Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Norklun, who directs the Gymnastics Program at the YMCA, has been part of the association for more than 20 years as a coach and mentor. She says that while success on the gymnastics mat is one measure, the value of collaboration and teamwork are equally important at the YMCA. One of the largest in the state, the Gymnastics Program at the YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown serves members as young as six months old through adult and seniors.

“Our program is open to all from beginner to expert, there truly is something for anyone who wants to get involved with this wonderful sport.” said Norklun.

For more information, visit graniteymca.org.

Caption: Coach Meg Norklun, Carabeth Norklun (Goffstown), Jennie Ess (Bow), Alyssa Rzasa, Kara Bryson, Nikita Bhat (Bedford), Hannah Kloiber-Bravo and Coach Carol Rzasa.