Mid-County YMCA Gymnast is National Champion

Eight gymnasts went to the YMCA National Gymnastic Championships in Milwaukee last weekend, and two came home with medals.

Of the eight Mid-County YMCA gymnasts that went, Madison Schneider, 9, took first in Bars and All Around Events for Level 3, making her a national champion.

Liam Mitchell, the only boy to go from the Mid-County YMCA was 5th All-Around in his level.

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Coaches Sarah Steiner and Brian Skillman took Madison Schneider, Nora Mitchell, Gekirah Rivera, Carmen Shelton-Golden, Olivia Rhodes, Ellie Oliver, Elizabeth Constant and Liam Mitchell.

Skillman said the group went to Summer Fest, in downtown Milwaukee on Friday, the day before competition. That’s where the opening ceremonies took place. He said 1,600 gymnasts from 106 Y’s from around the country took part.

There are 30 gymnasts on the Mid-County team, from 7 to 18 years old. The gymnasts who went to nationals were between 8 and 11 years old.

The nationals competitors qualify with scores in meets throughout the year. The meet season runs from October until April or May, and nationals are in June. Skillman said the Brentwood gymnasts practice from 4 to 7 hours a week.