‘Strong showing’ for gymnastics boys

Ten of Bermuda’s national team members traveled with coaches Magan Outerbridge and Duke Nelligan to Bridgeport, CT to compete in the Level 4,5, and 6 USA Gymnastics competition at the Abie Grossfeld Invitational. In the team’s first competition of the season, the boys had a strong showing with many medals to bring back to Bermuda. It was also the very first competition off island for youngsters Cole Packwood, Jordan Trimarchi, and Nizeko Outerbridge.

In the Level 6 intermediate age group, Max Blakeney and Taj Lowery earned 3rd (48.4) and 4th (44.7) in the all-around, respectively. Max’s highest finish came on Parallel Bars, with a 9.6 for 2nd place, while Taj earned the silver medal on Floor with an 8.7. Niyan Outerbridge finished 3rd (37.1) in the junior division, and garnered his top score on Vault - and 8.7 for the silver. The level 6s placed 2nd as a team with 130.20 total points.

Competing in the Level 5 competition were Ty Dunlop, Thomas Gesick, and Kai Lowery, who placed 4th (tie) (45.8), 6th (43.8), and 7th all-around (43.5), respectively. Thomas had a standout effort on the Vault, earning the gold medal with a 9.3. Ty’s highest finish came on the Floor Exercise with a 7.5 for 3rd place, while Kai tied for 4th place on High Bar with an 8.0. The boys earned the 5th place team banner in Level 5 with a 133.10.

Competing in the competitive senior division in Level 4 was Jaden Malpas, who finished 7th overall (50.8) and had his highest placement with 4th on Pommel Horse with a 8.5. Jordan Trimarchi’s 10.3 on Rings was good enough for the silver medal, and helped him to 7th place all-around finish (48.4). In the junior age group Cole Packwood and Nizeko Outerbridge, who finished 4th (47.4) and 6th (44.6) overall, respectively. Cole brought home the gold medal on Vault with a 9.2, and Nizeko had his top showing on Parallel Bars, a 7.9 for 3rd place. The level 4s also earned Bermuda’s highest team total, with 147.90 points for 4th place.

Coaches Outerbridge and Nelligan were pleased with how the team prepared for and performed in this competition and are excited to see the boys program growing by leaps and bounds. The boys will now turn their sights to the Mid-Atlantic Invitational, a premier men’s gymnastics event held annually at the University of Maryland. The team will compete on March 1st and 2nd.