After 22 months of training and only a couple quiet competitions, Rutland’s Cobra gymnastics team attended a traditional gymnastics meet (while masked) at the Royal Regal Classic in Essex Jan. 15-16. The 2021-22 team consists of 53 girls competing under the USA Gymnastics Xcel Program. The team is divided into five levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond and train at Cobra Gymnastics & Dance Center in Rutland.
Owner and head coach Shelby Barsalou said, “It was amazing to attend this meet feeling prepared and excited. The girls showed their passion and diligence for the sport and exemplified that they have not let this pandemic curtail their dreams.”
On Saturday evening the reigning 2021 State Championship Diamond Team — consisting of six veteran Cobra members — captured first place with a score of 109.925. First place event winners included Robin Tashjian of Manchester (all-around 36.40), Lissa King of Manchester (floor 9.375), Jada Hughes of Wallingford (vault 8.875) and Maleah Jones of Rutland (bars 9.275 and beam where she garnered the highest event score of 9.775).
The platinum team captured fourth place with a 103.075 and teammate Iris Tucker of Ludlow won a gold medal on vault with a 8.80.
On Sunday, the silver team captured second place with a 111.15 and teammate Amelia Gibbs of Brandon won gold medals on vault 9.325 and floor 9.525.
The gold team captured fifth place with a score of 107.925 and the bronze team captured second place with a score of 112.70. First place event winners from the bronze team include Hazel Mabey of Wallingford (vault 9.60, bars 9.575 and all-around with the highest AA score of 37.70), Ella Lamson of Middletown Springs (vault 9.30), Amelia Falco of Rutland (floor 9.40) and Grace Mical of Middlebury (floor 9.625).
Silver medalist (2nd place) from all teams and events include: Lily Crowningshield, Ella Lamson, Hazel Mabey, Alice Charron, Olivia Gibbs, Alexa Kojak, London Febbie, Amelia Gibbs, Robin Tashjian, Maleah Jones, Lissa King and Karena Kuehl.
Bronze medalist (3rd place) from all teams and events include: Amelia Falco, Bay Sparks, Ella Lamson, Hazel Mabey, Eda Mae Fioretti, Alice Charron, Phoebe Tashjian, Lillie Mae Sheldrick, Ava John, Olivia Gibbs, Alexa Kojak, London Febbie, Amelia Gibbs, Mia Harrington, Nadia Tarbell, Karena Kuehl, Lissa King, Robin Tashjian.
