Enrollment leaps at local gymnastics center following Olympics

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- It's a touching moment. As the American flag is raised, the National Anthem blares in the arena. An Olympian stands proudly atop the podium with a gold medal around his or her neck. The years of blood, sweat and tears have paid off, and it all happened while the entire world was watching.

With all the success stories in the Olympics comes a great deal of inspiration and motivation back home for aspiring athletes. In the world of gymnastics, the “Fab 5” won women’s team gold and sixteen-year old Gabby Douglas, nicknamed the “the flying squirrel,” won gold in the women’s individual all-around final. Young American gymnasts across the country watched and began to dream of gold themselves.

Local gym, Flips Gymnastics, has in turn seen a rise in enrollment due to the Olympics.

“It’s been crazy. Every four years we see a big increase [in enrollment],” Flips Manager, Kelley Jordan, said. “I always ask [why someone is enrolling] and this year we got a lot of, ‘Oh we were watching the Olympics…’”

Jordan estimates that the Olympics have caused registration to increase by around 20 percent.

For those already involved in competitive gymnastics the Olympics puts it all into perspective. “[The Olympics] motivates you to get better at your sport,” Jenna Hill, a competitive Flips gymnast who trains approximately 16 to 18 hours a week, said.

And while the athlete may be the one competing, this year's Olympics haven't failed to credit those behind the scenes making dreams come true, as well.

“Those commercials thanking the mothers were wonderful,” Amanda Mussalli, mother of a local gymnast, said.

For all those aspiring local gymnasts, Fall registration is now open at Flips. Flips offers a variety of classes, including fundamental, progressive, advanced and tumbling. For more information, or to visit the gym and see for yourself young gymnasts at work, visit Flips at 27320 Robinson Road in Oak Ridge.