A future star: Irina Alexeeva

Although she is only 9 years old and not eligible for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, (she becomes a senior in 2018) there has been a lot of buzz about this future WOGA star. Her name is Irina Alexeeva.

Photo belongs to Heather Maynez

A few years ago Irina and her parents moved to Texas from Russia (Moscow) so that Irina could enroll in gymnastics lessons. Irina's parents were good friends with Valeri Liukin and he agreed to take Irina on! She currently trains at the WOGA in Plano, the same gym that produced Olympic champions Carly Patterson and Nastia Liukin. "It's really cool and very inspiring!" she told us when asked about what it's like to train in the same gym as Olympians. Irina competed as a level 9 last season and is currently training for level 10. She plans on going elite and would someday like to compete for her native Russia. Irina's ultimate goal remains quite simple. "I want to go to the Olympics one day." she told us.

Many people were impressed when they saw video's of her exquisite beam work. "Beam is my favorite event and it's also my best event." It's rare to find talent like this at such a young age. In fact, most of the girls who train at WOGA that are Irina's age are only level 5 & 6's! Irina will graduate high school in 2020, which will also be her Olympic year!

Photo belongs to Heather Maynez

Extra's

Favorite Gymnast: Nastia Liukin
Biggest Accomplishment: "Competing at Westerns because not a lot of girls get to go, but I did!"
Favorite Activity: Swimming



           

Written by: Ashlee