Next to the uneven bars the gymnasts have a chalk bucket and a small water bottle. They take turns wetting their palms and getting a sufficient layer of chalk to help reduce the chance of their hands slipping.
Gwendolyn Garvin puts chalk on her hands after running through her bars routine once. Each gymnast applies more chalk before every attempt, to help keep her grip consistent.
Allie Shepherd went into the 2018 State meet with the goal of getting at least one event scored a 9 or higher: she not only achieved that goal, she had three 9s, and took home a gold medal and the title of State Champion for her age group.
Allie Shepherd practices part of her uneven bars routine during practice on Thursday night. She is one of two girls who took home a gold medal, and the title of State Champion, during the 2018 Montana State Gymnastics Championship meet.
Gwendolyn Garvin, 8, left, and Allie Shepherd, 7, practice their balance beam skills. Each girl went back and forth multiple times, practicing different elements of their beam routines. Garvin scored 9.1 on her beam routine, which earned her the top spot for her age group. Shepherd scored a 9.25 for her beam routine, earning her a gold medal.
Gwendolyn Garvin practices the first part of her uneven bars routine during the regular team practice at Northern Pacific. The uneven bars is Garvin’s favorite event, especially the dismount.
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