Greensburg YMCA gymnasts capture national titles, medals

Greensburg YMCA gymnasts scored big at this year’s YMCA-USA national championships in Cincinnati.

Emma Rost of Greensburg captured national titles in two events. Rost claimed gold medals in the level 4 vault and floor exercises. She also won a bronze medal in the all-around and placed sixth on the bars.

Other medalists were Mia Harkcom, Greensburg, who place 3rd in the level 5 vault, and Alicia Willet, Greensburg, who placed 5th in the level 5 beam.

Each of the gymnasts have been members at the YMCA for about six years and have been competing for most of them.

“It is beyond exciting for Emma to become a national champion and medalist in multiple events; however, I am most excited for her sixth place on bars,” said Amy White, Greensburg YMCA gymnastics coordinator and competitive team coach. “For the past two years, she has been battling an extensive mental block on this event, and I couldn’t be more proud of her ability to overcome adversity.”

White said that she is also proud of all the gymnasts and that this championship was a first for many of them.

“For a lot of them, this was their first nationals, so nerves were a huge factor,” White said. “Every one of them persevered and achieved something not everyone has a chance to do. I hope a competition like this gives them more confidence as athletes and the strength and determination to accomplish their goals and dreams in the upcoming seasons.”

White said that while these titles are “rare,” it “makes sense” because of all the time and effort the gymnasts put into their routines. She also said that the last time a gymnast from the YMCA won a national title at this level was about 2016, and a level 2 gymnast won a national title last year.

‘These titles put us back on the map,” White said. “After covid and some coaching changes, it shows our perseverance and talent.”