Jay Jay Marshall- Aspiring Olympian
My name is Jaymes "Jay Jay" Marshall. I am 13 years old and a Junior Elite gymnast working to secure a position on the U. S. National Team which will get me one step closer to my goal of making the U.S. Olympic Team in 2020. I have been doing gymnastics for about 8 years and want to share updates to my story with you today.
Currently, I am working hard with my Coach Marcelo (fondly known as Coach Marshmallow) and workout about 27-30 hours per week more or less. Monday- Friday I practice from 7am-9:30am. I then attend school at The Manning School from 10am - 2:30pm. After school I head back to practice until about 5:30-6pm each evening. Managing a school schedule and my gym schedule is a lot of work, but it is a must to achieve my dream. My family truly believes in what I am doing, and even though the statistics for making the Olympics are not the best, I have such awesome support and believe that my chances are the best they can be.
The past season was AMAZING!!! I was blessed to achieve great milestones:
---I had an excellent dual season, competing both Level 10 and Jr. Elite.
---Qualified for Jr. Elite on my very 1st attempt which was super difficult.
---Received invites to Developmental Camps at the Karolyi Ranch (met Marta Karolyi and Valeri Liukin- both Gymnastics Royalty!)
---Qualified for State, Regionals and Nationals, which was incredible!
---Came in second place for Level 10 State, became Region 3 Champion 2016, and became the 2016 National Vault Champion for Level 10.
--- My National Championship Vault made a splash in the gymnastics community both nationally and internationally as I competed an Amanar at only 12 years of age. This was huge because very few gymnasts compete or have competed it (Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and other great gymnasts). See it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0EMfkU-wMU
---Scored two 10.00s on vault at two separate competitions (Pikes Peak and Level 10 State, placing first at both competitions)
---Came in second place all around at the American Classic 2016 and qualified to compete at the Secret Classic 2016 and P&G Championship 2016 (attended/competed at both and met SIMONE BILES, SHE GAVE ME ADVICE!!!)
---Have the interest of about 14 Division 1 colleges (all have MAGNIFICENT programs and I am thankful for the kindness of each one! Choosing one will be one of the hardest choices I have ever had to make!)
---Interviewed by FloGymnastics (Thank you!), written about in a few great articles/blogs (and some not so kind ones)
---Interviewed by and profiled on Denver 9News (Vicente Arenas was AWESOME!)
---Nominated for Gymnast of the Year by Meet Scores Online
---Nominated for Level 10 Fan Favorite by Ozone Gymnastics
---Received invites to/currently attending National Team Training Camps at the Karolyi Ranch (TRAINING WITH FANTASTIC NATIONAL TEAM COACHES!)
---Last but not least and most importantly -Made it to 8th grade (Working on 9th because I must be a student first, athlete second!)
Gymnastics as you may or may not know, is a very expensive sport. My family spends quite a lot to cover me and the next 3 years it will be even more expensive. This is where I need your help. My mom currently works two jobs to keep me active in my sport. My new season began January 2017. My first elite qualifier is in February and I will have the opportunity to secure a position on the Jr. National Team. Should I be successful, I would have to travel to both Canada and then Italy in March 2017. USA Gymnastics will cover mine and my coach's expenses, but will NOT cover my mom. I CANNOT travel without my biggest fan and best supporter!!
I am seeking assistance from now through 2020. I thank you so much for your support and thank you to those who continue to support me year after year!
You can view videos and photos from the very beginning of my gym career at
https://www.facebook.com/JayJayMarshall/
