US-born David revels in victory; young gymnasts end National Trial on high
After topping the FIG-Junior category on the opening day of the Supreme Ventures-sponsored Gymnastics Classic and National Trials, United States-born gymnast Isabelle David returned to end the two-day event on a high as she also topped the Level 10 group.
David, who was one of four overseas-based gymnasts attempting to secure a place on Jamaica’s teams to the various championships this year, all but accomplished the feat, which she said was the first step in bringing her real vision to fruition.
“I would like to win an international competition for Jamaica, and I definitely expect myself to do so in the near future,” a confident David told the Jamaica Observer shortly after her performances at the Jamaica School of Gymnastics on Sunday.
The 14-year-old, along with Kennedy Walshe, were the new athletes hunting spots on the junior team, while English-born Jade Lewis and Canadian-born Elel Wahrmann Baker, competed for spots in the senior category.
David topped the Level 10 group with an all-around score of 37.550, ahead of Walshe (36.900) and Jamilia Duffus (35.300).
Both David and Walshe, along with local-based gymnast Emelia Sharpe, are now in the running to secure the country’s lone spot to the Junior World Championships in Turkey in March.
“My family lives here and they were always asking my mom when I would represent them, so my mom asked me if I wanted to represent Jamaica or the US and I told her I definitely wanted to come here and represent Jamaica because it feels like home,” David shared.
“So it was very good being here. I definitely had to adjust to the weather and the equipment, but it was a very good experience.
“It feels amazing to win and it boosts my confidence, because I was nervous coming here against all these amazing gymnasts. But it turned out well, and so I am really proud of myself and my coach for adapting and helping,” she added.
Sharpe (33.900) was second in Level nine action, behind Zuri Matandara-Clarke, who finished tops with a score of 33.950. Mariah Gordon (32.450) was third.
The Level eight category was topped by Arianna Richardson, who scored 35.050, ahead of Leanna Blake (33.450) and Sukhuri-Shay Smith (33.250).
Satria McLean with a score of 35.750 won Level seven ahead of Elyssa Alexander (34.250) and Danique Meek (33.600).
Meanwhile, there were two sections for Level six gymnasts with the older category being topped by Leah-Paige Phillips (35.700). Alyssa Suckra (34.950) and Kamaria Smith (33.800) were the runners-up.
Ariana Henry was the toast of the younger category after she tallied 36.400 to finish just ahead of Charli Taylor (36.250). Jesanique Scott (34.550) was third.