The future of gymnastics in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is looking exceptionally promising, as over 170 young athletes demonstrated their talent during the Carifta Gymnastics Trials held on October 11 and 12 at the National Cycling Centre in Couva. The trials, which featured gymnasts aged seven to 19, aimed to select the national team for the upcoming Carifta Gymnastics Championships scheduled for December 6-7 at the same venue. Michelle Frankland, chairperson of the TT Gymnastics Federation’s women’s artistic committee, expressed her enthusiasm for the sport’s rapid growth and increasing competitiveness. ‘The level of our gymnastics in TT is tremendous,’ she said, highlighting the participation of 177 gymnasts across various categories, including the US Artistic Gymnastics and the Pan American Gymnastics Union Hopes. Frankland noted that the sport has expanded significantly, with 15-16 clubs now producing top-tier gymnasts, a marked increase from just a few dominant clubs in previous years. TT is set to host the regional championships for the first time, and Frankland is optimistic about the federation’s renewed energy and purpose. ‘We’re expecting participation from Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados, and others,’ she said. ‘It’s giving our federation a new energy and purpose.’ Christopher George, president of the TT Gymnastics Federation, echoed this optimism, emphasizing the steady improvement of the nation’s gymnasts. ‘Every year, we’re building up on the last,’ George said. ‘We dominated last year and we’re hoping to do it again this year.’ He added that the trials and training are crucial for preparing the athletes to perform at their best, with the ultimate goal of seeing homegrown gymnasts reach the World Championships and Olympics. With four local athletes now competing at level ten, the highest junior tier, George believes the pathway to international success is becoming clearer. ‘It’s monumental,’ he said. ‘We have three years until the Olympics, and it’s quite possible that one of these girls could get an opportunity to compete at the World Champs, and if they train extremely hard, they can get to the Olympics in 2028.’