Gymnastics popularity soars with Olympics

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Coaches at Gymnastics Unlimited said many people are showing interest in the sport, thanks to the extra coverage of the Olympic Games.

Carleigh Brown, a former gymnast who is a now coach at Gymnastics Unlimited, said many children want to be able to go for the gold.

"Phones are ringing off the hook, we've got lots of people signing up," Brown explained. "With the Olympics being on, we have lots of kids who are really interested in seeing the cool flips and they want to see the cool flips. So in they come."

Many gymnasts at Gymnastics Unlimited have the Olympic fever, as well. Children could be seen wearing medals on Friday in honor of opening ceremonies.

"Well it's like with all the best people, and it would just be an honor to be there," Nico Vigneri, a 10-year-old gymnast said of his Olympic dreams. "It would be really cool."

Gymnasts said their friends have started asking them about the sport a lot more, as well.

Kai Dillon is 13 years old. She started training at two.

She said it's a tough sport that takes a lot of dedication and work, even though the Olympians may make it look easy.

"You should come to the gym and actually try to do the stuff that we can do on team," she challenged, saying the conditioning is the hardest part in her opinion.

Brown grew up competing and practicing in the gym. She started coaching children at 14 years old.

She explained gymnastics teaches kids more than just somersaults and cartwheels.

"It's a really good sport, and it helps with a lot of other things," Brown said, referencing agility, strength, and cardio. "It helps with the body awareness. So gymnastics is good for a lot of other sports just because you are so aware of what your body is doing at all times."

She said a common misconception is that all gymnasts must start out young to be successful.

"As long as they're willing to have a good attitude, the coach is always, always going to help them with no matter what it is," Brown explained, saying she's seen gymnasts start at age two and at age 17. "They're going to try and help them learn what they want to learn. Age doesn't matter, it's just a number. You come in and you're ready to go, and that's what's best."

Gymnastics Unlimited offers different classes for various ages of children and teens.

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