By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Three Shrewsbury athletes – all competitive gymnasts at the Gymnastics Learning Center (GLC) – credit the dedication, nurturing environment and encouragement from coaches and staff as one of the reasons they have each been so successful.
Sydney Malko, 16, is a junior at Shrewsbury High School. While school and gymnastics take up most of her time, she does enjoy creating with Legos and loves to follow the Olympics each year. She also likes to play with her dog and dance hip-hop.
“I started gymnastics when I was living in Vermont at the age of 3,” she recalled. “After moving to Shrewsbury, I starting training at the Gymnastics Learning Center. I really love to compete on beam although there is a ‘fear factor’ each time I compete. I hope to get a scholarship to college and continue gymnastics. I would also like to study interior design and architecture.”
Malko has been a Level 10 gymnast for four years. She is the State Floor Champion for 2013 and 2014; silver medalist on beam in 2014; silver medalist on vault in 2013; and bronze all-around medalist in 2014. At the regional meet in Springfield, she was the silver all-around medalist; placed third on beam, and fourth on the floor exercise, earning her a place as one of 56 girls in her age group to compete on the Junior C Team for her second trip to Junior Olympics Nationals, where she placed ninth on beam.
Olivia Zona started gymnastics at age 2 and has been training at GLC for 12 years. She is a freshman at Shrewsbury High School and enjoys photography and reading.
“For me, competitions are always a bit scary, but it is kind of cool to win a trophy or a medal,” she said. “I like to do the floor [exercise] which involves mostly tumbling and artistry in dance. My coaches, Robert and Nikki McElroy, encourage me to always do my best. Nikki is the best! She is like a mother and sister at the same time. Robert also teaches us life lessons and I really respect him.”
Although she was injured for state competition, Zona was petitioned into the regionals because of her excellent scores throughout the season. As a Level 10 gymnast, she took first place on floor exercise at the regional championships, second all-around, and third on beam. She earned a place on the regional Level 9 Junior 7 Team.
In May, Zona competed at the Eastern Championships held in Bradenton, Fla. The top gymnasts in each age group from the eastern half of the U.S. competed. Zona’s winning floor routine was the meet’s highest score, earning her the title of Eastern National Floor Champion.
“When the coaches are busy, I really enjoy helping the younger age groups with their skills,” she said.
Dion Holden started gymnastics five years ago. In just a few years, he has excelled into one of GLC’s gymnastics champions. At 14 years old, Holden is the oldest member of the competitive team and recently began his freshman year at St. John’s High School.
“I was doing these flips in my backyard, while hanging out with some friends. One of my friend’s told me that my front handsprings – which is what he referred to them as – were great and suggested I try gymnastics. I did and I never looked back. I absolutely love it,” Holden said.
He is a Level 9 gymnast and has been training at GLC since 2009. He has competed at state and regional competitions for the past six years. At the state competition in March, Holden took first place on both the pommel horse and parallel bars, and then went on to earn the title of 2014 State All-Around Champion. At the New England Regional Championships in April, he continued to excel, taking first place on the vault.
While he admitted that there is not much free time between school and gymnastics, Holden does enjoy hanging out with friends, watching TV, and drawing. Every other Sunday he volunteers at Holy Trinity Nursing Home in Worcester. In the future, he hopes to get a scholarship to college and compete. He would also like to become a mechanical engineer.
He credits his coach, Matt Hall, for helping him reach his potential and encouraging him to try new things.
All three of these hardworking and talented athletes have given the coaches, staff and GLC President Marianne Frongillo great pride. The facility opened more than 30 years ago and it continues to be a thriving, state-of the art facility where the commitment to each child is evident.
The Gymnastics Learning Center is located at 574 Lake St. in Shrewsbury.
