Gymnast Places at State, Advances to Regionals

Allen’s own Makenzie Johnson was one of the 101 level 10 gymnasts to descend on Texas Women’s University March 26 for the Texas State Championships. Johnson, who trains at Eagle’s Wings Athletics (EWA), won fifth place all-around out of the 18 competitors in the Senior B age group.

Johnson’s highest score came on the floor exercise, a 9.675 that was awarded 6th place. She earned a 9.625 (9th place) on vault, and took 6th place on both uneven parallel bars (9.375) and balance beam (9.35), earning 38.025 out of a possible 40 in the all-around.

Johnson easily moves on to the Regional Championships, to be held April 15 at Lovejoy High School in Lucas. Gymnasts from Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming will be competing for the top few spots that will advance to the Junior Olympic National Championships in Long Beach, California in mid-May.

Johnson, a junior at Allen High School, lives about a mile from the Regional competition site. After having traveled to Regionals at Denver two years ago, and New Mexico last year, she is excited at the prospect of being the level 10 gymnast who lives the closest to the venue. But she doesn’t want the season to end there. “I really want to make it to Nationals,” says Johnson. “I want to show myself and everyone else that I have the skills, work ethic, and determination to be a great gymnast and an asset to college teams.” Johnson moved to Texas from Southern California over 5 years ago, and would also enjoy the opportunity to return and see family, friends, and the beach.