Hillsborough Gymnast Qualifies For National Competition

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Jocelyn Moore, a senior at Hillsborough High School and University of Missouri gymnastics commit, is one of 18 senior athletes in the entire country to qualify for the Nastia Luikin Cup, one of the most prestigious competitions of the year.

The 12th annual Nastia Liukin Cup will be held on Friday at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis and will air live on NBCSN at 2:30 p.m.

For Moore gymnastics is a passion. She became involved in the sport about 10 years ago after being invited to a birthday party with gymnastics. Since then she hasn't stopped.

"It seemed like something I could use to get my energy out. I had fun," said Moore.

Moore currently trains under Ann and Valdi Kolasa at Gymland / Arena Gymnastics in Hamilton.

"It's pretty exciting. It took a lot of hard work for her and paid off," said Ann Kolasa. "She trains about 23 hours a week and we worked on every detail to be able to qualify for this event."

Over her gymnastic career, Moore has many accomplishments including:

• 2019 Region 7 vault champion
• 2019 New Jersey State vault and beam champion
• 2019 J.O. Nationals qualifier
• Owns top Level 10 scores in the country of 9.825 on vault, 9.775 on beam, 9.675 on bars and floor and 38.500 in the all-around

Getting into the 12th annual Nastia Liukin Cup was a huge accomplishment for Moore.

"We are definitely very proud of her. It was not easy to do. She had to beat out close to 200 other athletes to get her spot," said Kolasa.

During the competition, Moore will participate in four events including vault, bars, beams and floor. Moore says vault is her best category.

"Jocelyn is a true contender to win any of the four events. Our goal is for her to be so excited to have reached this milestone and enjoy every moment and through her enjoyment, she will win," said Kolasa.

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