Shantessa Pama- We miss you!

She was a beauty to watch on the gymnastics scene. The Hawaiian born Shantessa Pama was nauturally a fan favorite and had a lot to show out on the competition floor. Everybody wanted to see Tessa at the Olympics in 2008, but that unfortunately never happened.

At the time, things were looking great for Shantessa! She placed 5th all around at the 2005 national championships as was doing skills that seemed impossible - like a triple back dismount off the bars. (She was just 13 years old at the time!) Tessa was always know for her unique skills and beauty!

                            

In 2006, Tessa won a gold medal on bars at the Pacific Rim and Gymnix International. At the national championships she placed 9th all around making her 3rd national team. Little did her fans know, that would be the last time they saw her.


                             

After struggling with a severe ankle injury in 2007, Tessa decided to drop down to level 10 while she finished high school. Her plan was to qualify to JO nationals and then try for elite again. Sadly, Tessa didn't make it past the regional meet.

In a 2008 interview, Tessa said "I love college gymnastics and I will definitely be attending college in 2009...hopefully on a scholarship." For reasons unknown, she never competed in college gymnastics. She did attended UCLA for a short time and finally settled with a community college. 

To this day, it remains unknown why Tessa never competed in college gymnastics. Perhaps it was something out of her control or she just wanted to live a normal life. However, Tessa did remain in gymnastics for quite some time after she disappeared from the gymnastics scene. Tessa was still training in 2010 and was doing some coaching in the gym as well. In 2011, Tessa mentioned making a comeback, but never followed through with the idea. 

All that can be said is that Shantessa Pama's gymnastics is sorely missed. She truly was a talent!

Check out this fun photo shoot Shantessa did back in 2006 for her mom's leotard line.

                              

For more info visit our former elite gymnasts post! (here)
You can also check out Shantessa's old website here

Written by: Ashlee