While the "Fab Five" women's gymnastics team was over in London representing the United States in the Olympics, the "Culver City Four,” were down in Fort Lauderdale, Florida competing in the United States Association of Independent Gymnastics National/International competition.
Carli and Taylor Zimelman, Josey Davis and Yasmine Ashley are all Culver City residents, all attended last year and all are on the gymnastics team at in Culver City.
The girls competed with over 750 other gymnasts from all over the country, as well as teams from Canada, Bermuda and South Africa.
Carli and Josey, both 14, placed in the top 10 girls in the country in the All-Around competition, finishing 8th and 4th respectively, and earning themselves national plaques. The following day, both girls qualified for and competed in the individual event finals. Carli won the gold medal on vault and became the National/International vault champion, while Josey won the silver medal in uneven bars, and placed 5th in the floor exercise.
Yasmine, 12, also medaled in the all-around competition. Taylor, also 12, medaled in the all-around competition and qualified for the event finals in uneven bars, where she placed 7th in the country.
When asked about their reaction to this year’s Olympic gymnastics team, all of the girls were thrilled that team USA brought home the gold medal.
Josey said that watching the Olympics got her motivated to try new, harder tricks. Taylor spoke about the whole team's focus during the competition, saying that having the skills is one thing, but keeping focused during a competition will make or break you.
Both Carli and Yasmine were rooting for the Olympic underdogs, Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas. Carli, who proudly wore her National gold medal around her neck said, "It just goes to show you, that if you dream big and work hard the sky's the limit."
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