NEWBURY PARK, CALIF.--Alec Robin, a senior at Calabasas High School and a student at Newbury Park's Victory Gymnastics Academy, took the silver medal in vault competition at the USA Gymnastics VISA Championships in Hartford, Connecticut in August. Robin, now 16, competed in the 14-15 age division. It marks the first time a locally trained gymnast participated in this national competition. Robin also finished sixth in the floor competition.
Robin had to beat out thousands of gymnasts to compete in the VISA Championships. "He qualified in state competitions and then in regional competitions,"
Robin can be seen practicing at Victory Gymnastics at least 20 hours each week. He credits his coach for his success. "I see Coach Ray a lot like a father," says Robin. "I couldn't imagine anyone else but him as my coach."
Jiang began coaching Robin when Robin was four. "My mom signed me up for gymnastics when she noticed I would watch TV upside down on the couch and was always tumbling," says Robin. Robin hopes to attend the University of Michigan or Ohio State on a gymnastics scholarship. "Both have very strong gymnastics programs," he says.
"Not everyone will be as successful as Alec," says Jiang, "but the benefits that gymnastics bring to those who participate are tremendous. Balance, coordination, agility and flexibility are just some of the physical benefits. Concentration, confidence and mental toughness are the mental and emotional rewards."
Next up for Robin and the rest of the Victory Gymnastics' boys team is the West Coast Team Challenge in January in Bakersfield. Victory is the three-time defending champion. Victory's girls team will see its first action of the season at a preliminary meet September 11 in Chatsworth and again September 25 in Culver City and October 9 in Santa Clarita.
For more information about Victory Gymnastics, call 805-376-9059 or go to www.victory-
