Posted: 9/18/02

Flyaways gymnast qualifies for TOPS

A local gymnast has earned the distinction of being one of the best young gymnasts in the country.

Kiki Parenteau, 9, recently qualified for the National Testing by competing at the state competition in July. More than 60 girls from Minnesota and Iowa competed in the event. Among those girls, Parenteau was one of two girls to qualify for the testing in Indianapolis.

Last year, as an eight-year-old, Parenteau competed in TOPS and made the national training team. She is a third grader at Forest View Elementary in Forest Lake.

TOPS is a USA Gymnastics Talent Opportunity Program for female gymnasts age 7-11 and their coaches. During the summer, gymnasts are evaluated on physical abilities at the state or regional level.

From more than 2,000 participants, 300 gymnasts qualify to participate in the testing. From there, approximately 20 gymnasts in each age group make the TOPS National team.

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