Young Colts Neck Gymnast Breaks Barriers After Foot Injury

Imagine breaking your foot less than one year ago, then going on to place at the United States Association of Independent Gymnastic Club World Championships.

Sophia Garito of Colts Neck, did just that recently when she won the title for Freehold Gymnastics Club. Garito also placed second on balance beam at the California competition, the event which broke her foot last year.

"Her hard work and dedication to the sport is truly an inspiration," noted FGC Coach and Co-owner Pru McLaughlin. “She has been an undefeated bar state champion for 3 years in a row and won the state All-Around and Uneven Bars for USAIGC Gold as well as JOGA level 2 just two weeks apart.

According to a news release from FGC, Garito began competing at 8-years-old and will join the Colts Neck High School Gymnastics as a freshman this year.

"Her national state qualifying score entitled her to compete in the USAIGC World competition in Palm Springs and we are tremendously proud of her  accomplishments.”

Garito also placed first all-around in the 12 to 14-year-old age group of level two gymnasts in the recent Jersey Optional Gymnastic Association (JOGA) annual state competition in May.

FGC also had seven gymnasts place first in at least one event in the May competition: 

• Arah Godbole, 14, from Freehold (level 2 Balance beam)
• Caitlin Amen, 14, from Manalapan, (level 4 All-Around, Balance beam, Floor and Uneven bars)
• Heather Gray, 13, from Millstone (level 4 All-Around and Balance Beam)
• Alyssa Rivera, 11 from Monroe (level 4 Uneven bars and Floor)
• Gianna Scanelli, 17, from Colts Neck (levell 5 Balance beam)
• Danielle Bellino, 12, from Freehold  (level 6 All-Around and Uneven Bars).