By Valerie Franchi, Contributing Writer
Northborough/Shrewsbury – Northborough gymnast Leanne Hart “is our little sunshine in the gym,” said her coach Joe Latuga. “She is easy and fun to work with.”
Hart, an eighth-grader at the Robert E. Melican Middle School, trains three days a week from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Gymnastics Learning Center (GLC) in Shrewsbury. She has already reached the platinum level of skill acquisition in the Xcel program, the second-highest of five levels before diamond. There are between 25 and 30 members of her team at GLC.
“I started at 3 or 4 years old when my mom put me in a class,” she said, “and I have been doing it ever since.”
Hart said Latuga has coached her for three years and has been very supportive.
“He encourages us to learn new skills and doesn’t let us forget what we know.”
Latuga said that in addition to being “hilarious,” Hart is also driven to succeed.
“She is so much fun and a crazy competitor,” he said.
That drive has led her to win first place in her age group at last year’s Xcel Gold state competition in the all-around category, which includes beam, uneven parallel bars, floor exercise and vault. She placed second in the regionals.
Her favorite event is the floor exercise “because it has elements of artistry and dance,” Hart explained. “I can put my personality into the routine.”
Latuga agreed that she “sparkles” in that event. “She is great in all of the events, but she really shines on the floor.”
Hart watched the U.S. gymnasts compete in the 2012 Olympic Games and said that Jordyn Wieber is her favorite competitor, “not only because of winning, but because she tried hard.”
Competing in gymnastics is a big commitment, juggling school and a social life. In addition to weekly practices, the team participates in one or two meets a month, sometimes traveling long distances.
When asked what keeps her motivated, Hart replied: “A lot of it is the people; I have a lot of friends on the team.”
Her parents, Kevin and Sandra Hart, also support her endeavors.
“They always tell me they believe in me and that I can do it,” Hart said.
Next fall, she will attend Algonquin Regional High School, where she hopes to make the school’s gymnastics team.
In addition to relishing the competition, Hart said she also enjoys the side benefits of gymnastics.
“It keeps me healthy and active and helps with stress,” she said. “Being with friends makes me smile.”