A group of local athletes made a big impact on the national—and international—stage.

The YMCA of Chilton County’s Level II gymnastics team traveled to Orlando, Fla., to compete in the Presidential Classic gymnastics meet, held Feb. 13-16, and took home first place in the competition.

What makes the feat so impressive is that not only did the team, made up of only eight gymnasts aged 7-10, have to defeat the some of the best gymnastics squads in the country, teams from across the world were also in the seven-team group.

“We weren’t the biggest team, but we had (good) scores,” team coach Samantha Holt said. “When a team wins, it’s usually by a tenth. We actually won by over a point. They came with their game faces on and showed how hard they’ve worked.”

Holt said the work team has put in during training sessions paid off during the competition.

“They have two days dedicated to skills and one to strength training,” Holt said. “They have a skills and conditioning chart of 20-25 things to do, with 60-100 reps, a lot of things modified for gymnasts.”

While the team is eager to train, Holt said she and fellow team coach Crystal Cleckley emphasize the proper methods.

“They have to be safe,” she said. “Our most important thing is strength and safety.”

Holt said she felt the team had a strong bond.

“They really work as a team,” she said. “You’re a family. They all take it to heart, and are always watching out for one another. It’s awesome.”

Another aspect that Holt said stood out to her was the team’s ability to remain calm on such a large stage.

“It was a big opportunity,” she said. “The fact they didn’t let nerves get to them was amazing. Shoot, I had butterflies in my stomach!”

Individual results were as follows:

• Belle Richardson (C Group): Second in vault, third in bars, first on beam and first on floor, taking the AA championship for her group.

• Ella Price (C Group): Fourth in vault, first in bars, sixth on beam and second on floor to finish second in her grouping.

• Madison Thornton (C Group): Ninth in vault, fifth in bars, fifth on beam, fifth on floor and third in her group.

• Alyvia Stilwell (C Group): Second in vault, 10th in bars, 11th on beam, ninth on floor and sixth in group.

• Campbell Easterling (B Group): First in vault, eighth in bars, first on beam, first on floor and first in her grouping.

• Rachel Glasscock (B Group): Seventh in vault, seventh in bars, ninth on beam eight on floor and eighth in group.

• Vella Collum (A Group): Fourth in vault, first in bars, first in beam, first in floor and first in group.