“They haven’t been as exposed to big gymnastics, so when they get to see that on TV, they want to be the next one.” said Nolby. Minnesota sent thirteen athletes to the Olympics this year, and three of them are on the gymnastics team. “It’s fun that Minnesota has the coaching talent and the athletic talent to compete at that level in the Olympics – and be winning. It’s outstanding for us. It’s unheard of to have that many [athletes] from one state,” said Nolby. None of the current Olympians trained at Jam Hops, but the gym does have plenty of awards from state and national competitions. “We have competitive mens and womens gymnastics here, and they compete at the highest levels – up to level 10 Junior Olympic athletes. [These athletes] are doing a lot of skills that they’re seeing these Olympians do. Even if they are here as a three or four year old waiting to go into their preschool room, they can still see some of that big gymnastics happening, at least to some degree,” said Nolby.
OLYMPIC EXCITEMENT IN LOCAL GYMNASTICS PROGRAMS
HAM LAKE – (Aug. 6, 2021) – At Jam Hops in Ham Lake, the gym is filled with kids attending summer camp, and Olympic excitement is high. Owner Brenda Nolby says that excitement trickles down to their youngest learners, who are more than likely seeing gymnastics on TV for the first time.
