Raising the Bar

Jonah James, a 7th Grade student at Pleasanton Middle School competed at the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic National Championships in Long Beach last month and took first in the hi-bar event against the country’s best 12-year olds. He also placed fourth in the   All-Around competition featuring six events.

James, who competes for West Coast Olympic Gymnastics Academy, also won the State All-Around title this spring, and qualified at the Western Regionals in Phoenix from a field of 65 athletes for the two-day national meet. James trains 20-24 hours per week and will now compete as a Level 9 gymnast.