New Lenox Gymnast Earns Spot on 2012 All Star Team and International Trip

New Lenox resident and Nelson Ridge 6th grader, Payton Richards, has qualified for the United States Gymnastics Association’s  2012 Region 5 All Star Team.  Richards is one of twelve gymnasts representing the region, which includes gymnasts from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan.  Richards qualified for the honor by being a Level 10 National Qualifier and having one of the top eight ranked All Around score averages in the region this season.  

Richards will represent the region this fall at the All Star event in Panama, an all-expense paid excursion funded by the region.  Richards competes for Phenom Gymnastics in Oswego, Ill., an elite training facility that has qualified gymnasts to the USAG All Star Team each year of its 17-year history.

“We are so proud of Payton and her achievements this year,” says head coach and Phenom Gymnastics owner, Jess Holtz.  “Her tireless work ethic, positive attitude and natural talent make her an exciting gymnast to watch in the coming years.”