SJCS 6th Grader Shines in Gymnastics Competition

By Bob Castello
SJCS Communications Manager

What began as a simple activity has evolved into high achievement for Milan Wannemacher, a three-time state champion gymnast.

Milan, a Sixth Grade Academy student at Saint Joseph's Catholic School, has been involved in gymnastics for seven years.

"My mom put me in classes, and I liked it," Milan said. "So my mom decided to put me in to it competitively because I was kind of good at it, and I kept going."

Two years ago, Milan, who trains at Palmetto Gymnastics Academy in Simpsonville, became a state champion for the first time. Last year, he won again.

This year, in early March he won the Level 5 (there are 10 levels) state championship in the still rings and vault. He advanced to regional competition two weekends ago in Atlanta, and placed sixth on the pommel horse and eighth in all-around.

Milan said what he likes most about gymnastics is, "All the people I'm around."

"A lot of them know me," he said. "My one thing is I'm good at handstands. My mom has a video of me holding a handstand for five minutes."

Milan's enthusiasm for gymnastics is evident. He has taken that passion -- and his strength -- and turned it into great success.

Click HERE to watch Milan perform a routine on the still rings and HERE to watch him perform his pommel routine at the regional competition.