LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — 14-year-old Charlotte Matus and 15-year-old Capri McLarty, athletes at the Gymnastic Academy of Rockford, have been chosen to compete for Team USA at the World Championships in China. Matus qualified in both trampoline and double mini, while McLarty qualified in double mini.
The two athletes maintain a rigorous schedule, practicing every Monday through Thursday for 3 hours a day at the facility. In addition to being teammates, Matus and McLarty are cousins and close friends who will represent both Team USA and the Stateline community during the competition in China.
McLarty, 15, was chosen for double mini and expressed excitement about the opportunity and experience. “It’s actually really cool that I’m going to be able to compete with one of my best friends and my cousin,” McLarty said. “We get to compete in the same exact country and represent team USA.” McLarty noted that earning a spot on the team fulfills a goal she has worked toward since early childhood. “It’s been the biggest goal of mine to ever do,” McLarty said. “My mom signed me up; she signed me up when I was 2 years old. And ever since, I just never stopped doing it.”…