Talia's kind-of-first gymnastic competition

Talia's first competition was on February 13th. She's part of a group of 4 but there are six girls altogether. There are no designed alternates and all girls will rotate. I figured Talia would be out of the first one. Most of the other girls have competition experience and sure enough, the two youngest who had never done competitions were not picked. Talia kind of wanted to and I could tell she was disappointed but soon got over it.

Here are Talia and Tomiris hanging out. They were the ones who didn't go. They are expected to suit up and warm up. The trainer said that once that at the French Championships, she had a girl slipped on her way out to perform-so you never know! They have to be ready regardless.

It was held in Brumath, about 20 minutes north of here so I didn't have to sit around. Daniel was sick and since Talia wasn't going to perform, he just stayed home with the other two.

I think Talia is hiding on purpose. I was sorry I didn't get some good shots of her in the make-up and get-up. I will next time!

The alternates come at the end and stand on the podium. Cyrielle, Tomiris and Sophie are in front and Amalie in the back. Oceane didn't get in this shot but she was there.

Waiting for the results. Talia is talking to Amelie behind her.

They came in second. Just too much equipment dropped. Just like Drum Corps, execution is key. They had a harder routine but the girls who won were "cleaner" and dropped less.

They are standing in height-order and Talia is the one with her legs not in the right position (figures, my kid...) She's the second tallest, although the youngest.

Getting the metals.

What was amusing is that often, since we're in France, the girls give each other the "bises" (kissy-kissy on the cheeks) which while has its charm, is very time-consuming! Luckily, ours' didn't do this but many groups did.

Back on the floor again, listening to the other results. The second from the end, in a black, elegant outfit is coincidently the daughter of a friend, another American. She was born in the States to French parents but thanks to Esplanade (the one Ronnie rejected) and the English sections, she speaks English without any accent.

We only figured out that they were in the same gymnastic club when she came over to babysit.

She's in the top ensemble.

Marching off. See you March 20th!

This is the official photographer's shot of them on the podium. I "stole" it off the Strasbourg GRS site. Sophie licking her lips cracks me up. I wish Talia's legs were like the others!

In order; Amalie, Talia, Oceane, Sophie, Tomiris and Cyrille. Notice Talia is the second tallest and she's the youngest (by 6 months from the second youngest, Tomiris).