Written By: Olivia McPherson, Staff Writer
SPOTLIGHT: Ally Taynton (10) and Reagan Grigsby (12) go to Germany to compete for Team USA in acrobatic gymnastics.
Acrobatic gymnastics, also known as acro, is a form of gymnastics where athletes compete as duos or trios and perform routines consisting of acrobatic skills, tumbling, and dancing. One could think of it like a gymnastics floor routine with stunts.
Sophomore Ally Taynton began “acro when [she] was five years old.” She originally joined to “just try it out” but ended up “[loving] it, so [she] stuck with it. ” Senior Reagan Grigsby “started acro when [she] was six years old. ” Reagan joined “because [her] friends did it,” but she was eventually asked to join the team and “[has] been doing [it] since.” Reagan and Ally are a part of a trio together, along with an elementary schooler named Avery.
At the end of February, both of these amazing athletes had the amazing opportunity to go to Germany for a competition. At the end of their 2024 season, they placed 2nd out of 19 other trios in the 12-18 age division. By earning their podium spot, they were offered the chance to compete internationally as a part of Team USA. In Germany, the trio placed 2nd in the finals and 4th overall. Ally shared that she “loved Germany” and that “it was a really cool experience.” Reagan said that they “had such an amazing experience traveling to another country and competing.” Both shared how different international competitions were compared to local competitions. Ally shared how “the culture of how the athletes support each other is different,” while Reagan felt there was “more pressure” when competing internationally and that the “coaching is different.” While Ally had “never expected the opportunity to compete internationally,” it had been one of Reagan’s goals since her last appearance on the international stage. This had been Reagan’s second international competition, and he was very happy “to be able to experience [it] twice.”
These ladies have worked very hard to be good enough to represent Team USA. Reagan shared that the trio “[practices] 12 hours a week” and sometimes even “more before bigger competitions.” But their hard work has paid off. Being in acro has taught both of them lessons they will use for the rest of their lives. Ally has found that acro has given her more confidence by “being able to get out there and show the judges [they] deserve a good score.” Reagan has learned how important communication is. They “have learned how to work together to fix problems,” [share] their opinions, and [help] each other solve any frustrations.”
Not only are they working hard at practice, they are also putting in time at school. Both Ally and Reagan are student athletes too. They are both tennis players for Poly; Ally is one of the track team, and both are involved in clubs such as National Honor Society and Bear Pals. Since they are so involved, they are missing school for field trips or competitions. Even though they are missing out, Reagan finds it worth it because it is an opportunity for the trio to get closer and “see places [they] never would have otherwise.”
Since Reagan is a senior this year, this will be her last season with the trio before she heads off to college. She has committed to the University of Oregon to be a part of their Division 1 Acrobatics and Tumbling Team. We wish her the best of luck and know she will be great! Ally and Avery will continue to work hard, and it is likely that they will become a duo next year. Either way, all three of these ladies will continue to do amazing things. Congratulations to the trio, especially our Poly bears Ally Taynton and Reagan Grigsby, for their placement at international competition!