TEAM USA: From Amarillo, TX to Sofia, Bulgaria!

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a fanatic for all things Olympics and USA. I'm so excited that a very special person I've known since she was three months old has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent the USA!

Chandler Graham is a 13-year-old Youth Elite gymnast. She competes in the “TNT” (Tumbling & Trampoline) discipline of gymnastics and is exceptionally talented on the double-mini trampoline. Chandler says, “When competing on the double mini, I am filled with so many emotions. I wait for the judge to salute me before I begin, and I am filled with anticipation. I can do this! Sprinting down the runway approach, I know that I am prepared, and I remember how hard I have worked for this very moment. As I flip and twist in the air and transition into my second skill, I feel relieved. My dedication and hours of practice are paying off. I then complete the skills and “stick it” with a perfect landing, and I am filled with glee. This is my sport!”

She says gymnastics has taught her discipline, time management, and commitment and has provided her with many special friendships. Chandler typically spends nine hours a week training in the gym while balancing school and extracurricular. She maintains a straight “A” average in school and participates in various school sports, Student Council, National Junior Honor Society and other activities. She will enter the 8th grade at Austin Middle School in Amarillo, TX.

After years of success in the sport, including three National titles, Chandler has now been selected by USA Gymnastics to compete on the Double Mini for Team USA at the World Age Group Competition in Sofia, Bulgaria. The competition will be in November. While many Senior level athletes receive some funding, athletes Chandler’s age are entirely self-funded. Her expenses for such an experience include training camps, domestic and international travel, lodging, food, team USA apparel, and competition registration. She dreams of traveling the world while competing in the sport she loves. Will you please consider helping her dreams come true?

The distance between Chandler’s home in Amarillo, Texas, to Sofia, Bulgaria, is approximately 6,500 miles. I want to help her offset expenses by raising $6,500.00 with $1.00 of every donation representing one mile of travel. Would you consider donating to help her get out of Texas and even farther?

Every dollar donated will go directly toward Chandler’s trip and expenses.

Chandler said, “I know my dream is big, and my goal to represent the USA in world competition is even bigger.” She needs help to make this wish become a reality. I appreciate your help in getting Chandler to Bulgaria!! Go USA and GO CHANDLER!

You can follow her journey on Instagram: @chan.graham_tnt