If you’ve ever wanted to meet an Olympian up close and personal, here’s your chance.
Olympic bronze medalist Elise Ray will make an appearance on June 9 at Centre Elite Gymnastics, 2120 Old Gatesburg Road, in State College. Ray was the captain of the 2000 United States Women’s Olympic Team, which captured the bronze medal.
Like most young girls, Ray discovered a love for gymnastics at the age of 6. She progressed rapidly in the sport, and eventually found herself practicing upwards of 35 hours each week—before school, after school, and on Saturdays. Twice a day, she would travel forty-five minutes each way from her home in Columbia, Md., to train at Hill’s Gymnastics in Gaithersburg under the direction of Kelli Hill and Jen Bundy Bortz, who is now on the staff at Centre Elite Gymnastics.
Ray’s hard work paid off. In 1999, she traveled to China for the World Championships and won eighth place in the all-around. Thereafter, she won first place at the 2000 Olympic Trials and was named team captain for the U.S. Women’s Olympic Team.
Shortly after coming home from Sydney, Elise competed for University of Michigan on a full scholarship through 2005. Her success traveled with her throughout her NCAA career: She became a 14-time NCAA All-American, 3-time NCAA National Champion, and is still the most decorated female gymnast in Michigan’s program history.
Elise Ray has made a long-standing impact on the sport of gymnastics. She currently has three skills named after her in the International Code of Points (uneven bar skills known as Ray I, II, and III).
To achieve this honor, a gymnast must successfully complete a new skill at the World Championship or the Olympic Games. In addition to having three skills named after her, Elise was also inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2011.
Those attending the event will be able to get a professional picture taken and autographed with the Olympians. While the event is free, a nominal $3 donation to help cover photography expenses is requested.
There will also be a Q&A session, open house, and fun activities for the general public. For information, call (814) 380-0894.
