PERU – The Illinois Valley YMCA Tumbling & Trampoline (IVTT) team competed against some of the most talented gymnasts from across the country at the 51^st annual United States Tumbling & Trampoline (USTA) National Championship June 13-18 in Lakeland, Fla.

The competition consisted of three events: power tumbling, mini-double trampoline and trampoline, a sport also featured in the Olympics. The IVTT team travels all over the state to compete. The team usually starts training in August and September, and finishes its season at the USTA competition.

The IVTT team went head-to-head with more than 140 teams competing in more than 4,000 events to take home the “Best in the Nation” title this year. Together, the team took home nine national titles, some of them having to compete against 50+ athletes to make it to the podium.

The IVTT squad is coached by head coach Jessica Turczyn, Jaclyn Brucki, Samantha Day, Steve Donnell and Allanah Harper.

The following athletes participated in the USTA National Championship:

Alexis Flanagan, National Champion – 1^st place in Novice girls’ double mini division

Lily Barr – 3^rd on floor, 13^th on double mini, 7^th on trampoline

Larson Caruso – 9^th on floor, 12^th on double mini, 17^th on trampoline

Raegan Entwistle – 15^th on trampoline

Alexis Flanagan – 7^th on floor, 1^st on double mini, 10^th on trampoline

Emma Gaspardo – 18^th on floor, 19^th on double mini, 14^th on trampoline

Lillee Monterastelli – 4^th on floor, 12^th on double mini, 11^th on trampoline

Teagan Mullane – 20^th on floor, 22^nd on double mini

Alyvia Nelson – 7^th on double mini, 12^th on trampoline

Keira Parker – 20^th on double mini, 14^th on trampoline

Guiliana Riva – 13^th on floor, 4^th on double mini, 16^th on trampoline

Gabby Sauseda – 20^th on floor, 14^th on double mini, 26^th on trampoline

Turczyn said, “It lets me and the other coaches know that we are teaching the right techniques and that our students are performing well, and the judges are acknowledging the work we are doing.”