Pacelli student competes at Junior Olympics Women’s Gymnastics
By Taylor Hale
STEVENS POINT – A local Pacelli student is redefining the definition of maintaining a “flexible” schedule. Madelyn Manternach is a Junior at Pacelli who recently returned from a trip to Daytona Beach for the 2021 National Junior Olympics Women’s Gymnastics Meet.
Manternach was part of the Fourth region team that placed third in the meet out of eight teams. The Fourth Region consisted of 7 top athletes from Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota.
Thousands of young athletes competed to claim a spot on their regional team, and Manternach’s skill and dedication secured her seat.
Manternach competed on May 16, helping her six other teammates earn their third-place position.
“I competed in every event that day,” Manternach said. “My favorite experience was being part of a team. I only have one person that competes with me normally and this time it was all seven of us that were cheering for each other.”
Manternach’s mother, Lindsay Manternach, was a college gymnast and was ecstatic to see her daughter follow in her footsteps.
“She far surpassed me, it’s incredible. We are so proud of her,” she said. “When I was in the stands I got teary-eyed because she made it so far.”
Manternach has been practicing gymnastics since the age of four and has stuck to an almost five-day-a-week workout and practice regiment since fifth grade.
“I was kind of born into gymnastics,” Manternach said through a laugh.
While Manternach’s physical prowess might be impressive, her academic skills are equally honed. She is currently a 4.0 GPA student at Pacelli in AP classes. She also has a scholarship lined up for Iowa State University after her graduation in 2022.
“We will be practicing a lot this summer getting ready for the next competitive season that starts around December,” Manternach said, already looking forward to her next challenge.