Even the best, can come from a small town.

Usually when you think of an Olympic gymnast, they come from a well known gym with a strong background.  WOGA, Parkettes, Cincinnati Gymnastics, GAGE. Well what about Gedderts Twistars in Dimondale, Michigan? Home of the 3 time American Cup champion, 2 time senior National Champion, and World all around champion, Jordyn Wieber. Can talent like this really come from such a small town?

(Photo belongs to Triple Twist)

Before 2006, how many of you knew what "Twistars" was? 

Let's just say, Jordyn Wieber has put Twistars on the map. But she's not the only gymnast in their successful history. So far, she has come the farthest. But let me assure you, she is not the only "star" from Twistars. In fact, it started way back in 1993. Before little miss Wieber was even born. You may not have known about it, but you should have. And if you still don't, let me enlighten you on the history of John Geddert and his athletes. 

Behind Jordyn, the next gymnast closest to her Olympic dreams was Katie Teft who emerged onto the scene in 1993 when she won the all around and beam title at the JO National Championships. She then qualified to elite placing 4th all around at the US Classic and 4th again at her first national championships. In 1994, Katie won the American Classic and the US Classic. She went on to place 8th all around at nationals. In 1995, Katie was a member of the gold medal winning Pan Am's team as well as placing 4th on beam. She placed 9th all around at nationals that year. In 1996, the year of the Olympic Games, Katie finished 10th all around at nationals and went on to win a silver medal on bars and a bronze on beam. At the Pacific Alliance Championships, she won the gold medal with the team and placed 4th all around. At the Olympic trials, Katie placed 8th all around. Just missing the cut for the 7 member team.

Throughout most of Katie's career, Gedderts Twistars wasn't even around! She trained with John and Kathryn Geddert at Great Lakes Gymnastics until the gym opened up in 1996. Katie continued to train elite in 1997 with the goal of the 2000 Olympics in mind, but injuries forced her back to level 10. Katie then had a new goal of getting a college scholarship. In 1999, she enrolled with the University of Massachusetts and competed with them for 3 years until they dropped their gymnastics program. Katie then transferred to Central Michigan for her senior year. She was a bar finalist in the NCAA Championships.

(Photo belongs to Twistars USA)

John Geddert has coached several elite athletes including:

Katie Teft

Melissa Green

Laura Szczepanski

Heather Berry

Melissa Grupe

Jane Macintosh

Jordyn Wieber

Kamerin Moore

Grace Williams

Most of these girls trained under John and Kathryn at Great Lakes Gymnastics, before Twistars opened. A lot of you may be familiar with Kamerin Moore and Grace Williams. Kamerin was an elite in 2007-2009 and her long term goal was to compete at the 2012 Olympics. Unfortunately she has been plagued with injuries throughout her entire career and decided to compete level 10. She recently committed to the University of Nebraska, along with teammate Grace Williams who was an elite in 2010. Grace is a 2 time JO national champion and won the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup in 2011. 

(Photo belongs to Twistars USA)

Speaking of Level 10....Gedderts also have a very strong level 10 team. Not only is it the best in Michigan, but one of the best in the United States. John has coached over 40 gymnasts to the JO national team and several more to the title of JO national champion! Many of the Twistars level 10's earn scholarships to division I or II colleges! 

(Photo belongs to John Geddert)

This year Grace Williams won the JO national title, helping region 5 secure the team title in the Junior D  session. In the Senior C session, Arlyn Amor placed 6th on floor and helped region 5 win the team title again. Twistars qualified 10 gymnasts to Nationals this year overall. 

Now here's two girls to watch, who are currently training for elite:

Bayle Pickel- 2011 JO National Champion

Lauren Bancroft-Nastia Liukin Cup Qualifier

(Photo belongs to USA Gymnastics)

John Geddert was recently named "elite coach of the year" while Jordyn Wieber was named "athlete of the year." Now that's quite an accomplishment! John has been the "Region 5 coach of the year" thirteen times and the "Michigan coach of the year" seven times! John also won the first ever "USA national coach of the year" award in 2007! John has been coaching for over 32 years and has also opened another gym in Dewitt.

(Photo belongs to Gymnastike)

So as you can see, Twistars USA is among the best in the world! That just proves that even the most successful athletes can come from a small town! Congratulations to John and Kathryn Geddert on their success!

Written by: Ashlee