Gymnasts Watch The World's Best On TV

Snuggled up students with their eyes on the big stage
July 31, 2012, 8:31 am
Close to two dozen young gymnasts from the
Westside Academy gathered at the home of one of their coaches for a sleepover and viewing party for the Olympic gymnastics finals. The girls range in age from 10 to 17.
10-year-old Nicole Alstrend says she hopes to one day become an Olympic gymnast herself. She's competed since she was six and practices 22 hours a week. She says her favorite event is the floor exercise because the routine can be laid back or spunky, and you get to show your personality.
17-year-old Sarah Perez is the oldest of the bunch. She'll compete for the University of Wisconsin. She trains 15 hours a week, and expects that Olympians put in double that.
Their coach Denise Nontavarnit thinks Russia will be USA's toughest competitor and the most likely hope for a Gold medal is in vaulting.