CALVERT COUNTY, Md. – “When she was little she was full of energy and flipping all over the couches. Put her in a class to just try to get the energy out.”
Little did Shannon Nazzal know, that “mommy and me class” she took her daughter Natalia to, would land her a spot, 12 years later at the National Championships in Florida.
I knew gymnastics was for her when she was all excited for gymnastics practice never wanting to miss, but falling asleep on the way to other sports practices,” Nazzal tells the BayNet
After a great performance at regionals in Pennsylvania recently, Natalia was chosen to represent USA Gymnastics Region 2 where she will compete against 55 of the other best level 10 gymnasts, her age, from across the country.
Natalia practices 4.5 hours a day, 5 days a week in Northern Virginia. Even with her practice schedule, Natalia also maintains a 4.0 GPA as a freshman at Calvert High School.
To prepare for championships, Natalia will continue her training and cleaning up her routines while focusing on recovery efforts to ensure she’s in the best condition at the end of a long season.
Her mom says she is very excited and proud of her accomplishment.
“She’s a very hard worker and it shows. Her motivation is inspiring.”
Natalia says she wouldn’t be where she is now without her parents and coaches.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity and really want to thank my parents and coaches for their help.”
The competition is May 9-12 at the Volusia County Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.
