On Friday, November 14, ten very excited WAB gymnasts flew with their coaches and parents to Bangkok to compete in the FOBISIA Gymnastics Invitational Championships. After eight weeks of quality training, our gymnasts were ready to join 460 gymnasts from all over Asia at Bangkok Patana School to experience a competitive environment and connect with gymnasts from other countries.

WAB had gymnasts competing in three different levels over two days. On Saturday, Level 2 gymnasts Ingvild, Felicia and Molly, who were all new to international competition, and Level 3 gymnasts Alana and Astrid performed brilliantly. Inspired by other gymnasts around them, the girls were able to showcase the skills they had been practicing with precision. Prior to competition, each gymnast had one skill they were hoping to stick and proudly succeeded.

On Sunday, Level 4 gymnasts Alyssa, Margot, Emilia, Lydia and Elise arrived with confidence. They were able to produce some great routines on different apparatus. Bonus skills were evident throughout their routines, and the judges rewarded the girls with some very pleasing scores. Everyone deserved to be delighted with the performances.

Coach Leah and Coach Sarah, who expertly prepared these gymnasts throughout the season, worked tirelessly during the competition. Their ability to calm the girls, yet motivate them at every apparatus while delivering positive feedback for two days was outstanding. The WAB gymnasts are very lucky to have Coach Leah and Coach Sarah working with them.

In addition to the physical skills demonstrated by the girls, many teams commented on the friendliness of the WAB gymnasts. Larger teams at the meet were impressed with the cheering from our team. Comments such as "How does your team cheer so loudly when there is only a few of you?" demonstrated the great camaraderie within the WAB team. As a result, Coach Leah walked away many invitations to future competitions.

It was a fantastic weekend for so many reasons. Coaches and gymnasts should be very happy with the successes experienced at the meet.