On May 14, 11-year-old Picayune native and gymnast Elise Duhon will compete at the Xcel Regional 8 Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She is one of six girls competing for a chance to attend a national competition.
She will be competing against gymnasts from eight states, including Mississippi.
During an August 2015 interview with the Item, the young gymnast was classified as a level 4 state champion. Since then, she has advanced by three levels to platinum, which is between a six and seven.
Elise Duhon trains at the Brook-lin Center in Diamondhead, which is where the other five girls competing in Pigeon Forge also train.
Elise Duhon began her career in gymnastics when she was 18-months old, her mother Cathy Duhon said in previous coverage. She trains five days a week for about four hours per day.
In preparation for her upcoming competition, Elise Duhon is training with weights for half an hour prior to her four hours of training at the Brook-lin Center in Diamondhead, Cathy Duhon said.
“She’s on a strict diet of protein shakes, vitamins and healthy foods,” her mother added. “She is more consistent and wants to train every day.”
Elise Duhon competes and trains in four categories including vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise.
“I’m really excited and feel ready to be able to go there,” Elise Duhon said. “I’ve trained hard and always wanted to be able to make it to regionals.”