Olympic Gymnasts in Lubbock Inspire Young Hopefuls
The Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastic Champions made its way to Lubbock today with a star-studded cast including Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman and Nastia Liukin. KLBK's Michaela MacDonald has more on the show's impact on Lubbock's gymnastics community.
-->By: Michaela MacDonald
Updated: October 8, 2012
At Talent Plus Gymnastics, they say the 2012 Olympics has not only excited their gymnasts but also upped their enrollment for fall classes.
8,000 fans filed into the United Spirit Arena to catch a glimpse of some of the stars of the London Olympics.
This year's Olympic success has gotten many Lubbock kids excited about the sport again.
Madelynne Hodges had taken gymnastics before and lost interest, but after the summer games she's decided to give it another try.
"It was a spring board for her," said Heidi Hodges, Madelynne's mom.
Marilyn Downing of Talent Plus Gymnastics said they have seen a 10 to 20 percent increase in enrollment after the Olympics, but they've also seen a new level of commitment from their veteran gymnasts.
"We see an increase in enrollment and we also see an increase in motivation of our gymnasts," said Downing, "it inspires them to work harder, it makes them believe that their dreams can come true
Having the Olympians in their hometown makes these gymnasts' dreams seem a little more within reach.
Talent Plus gymnast, Skylar Davis said, "If I work as hard as they do then I can accomplish what they have"
Gymnast Jonathon Bursiaga said, "They're there and they get to travel around the country doing what they love to do and just maybe we could do that."
