Young athletes from across the country and Canada are competing for top honors at the Great West Gym Fest at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.  

The 24th annual event got underway Thursday and runs through Sunday. It has 38 teams and 1,200 gymnasts, ages 5 to 18.

Lisa Rennebaum, event coordinator and owner of Avant Coeur Gymnastics, said Avant has 125 entrants performing.

“It’s one of many that we take part in throughout the year,” Rennebaum said. “We travel around the region and have been as far away as New York to compete.” 

Local gymnasts have been honing their skills at Avant for the past 30 years. 

“I moved here in ‘84 and opened Avant in 1995,” Rennebaum said. “I’ve been a gymnast since I was a toddler and always knew I wanted to run and own a gym.” 

Gym Fest not only brings together aspiring young athletes but also draws past and current renowned gymnasts to give motivational talks to competitors. 

 “Summer Nelson, a two-time NCAA Beam Champ and eight-time national champ, is here today,” Rennebaum said. 

Others scheduled to be on hand at the event are Daniella Silivas, who won three gold, two silver and one bronze medals at the 1988 Olympics; two-time Olympian silver medalist and world champion Kellie Suttle; 1997 U.S. National Champion Vanessa Alter; and Luisa Blanco, 2021 NCAA Beam Champion. 

The competition culminates with the finals from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, followed by a midnight dance party that rewards the girls for their dedication and hard work. 

Rennebaum gave props to the 150 volunteers and 20 staff members who helped bring Gym Fest together. 

“We couldn’t do what we do — put on the best event of the year without them and the cozy environment The Resort provides us," she said.

Tickets: www.gwgfmeet.com

    Ainsley Ethridge performs in the floor exercise at the Great West Gym Fest at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Thursday.
  

    Georgie Dance performs on the uneven bars during the Great West Gym Fest event at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Thursday.