Harper Davidson, an 11-year-old Springs School student, won first place in the vault event at a recent gymnastics competition.
The vault is a platform that a gymnast runs toward and just before reaching it, launches off of a springboard and onto the vault to complete a flip or another skilled maneuver. It requires running slowly at first and then, as the gymnast approaches the springboard, he or she must sprint for more speed. It also requires focus and upper body strength.
As time has gone on, Harper’s skills are increasing. She started to take gymnastics classes at the age of 5 through Southampton Youth Services. She was 9 when she was in her first competition. Her team won first place and she won three second-place medals and one third-place medal.
She said that she competes in one or two competitions each month. As far as practicing is concerned, she practices three days a week. So, why gymnastics? Harper said that she was a very active young girl and her mom decided to enroll her in gymnastics to help her expel some extra energy. Her ultimate goal is to compete in the Olympics.
When asked about her favorite quote to connect gymnastics with her success, she said, “sometimes you have to get hurt to learn the skill.”
By Britney Pesantez, 6th grade, and Gabriela Alvarado, 8th grade