Local gymnast Malania Stanley has her sights set on the Olympics.
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Local gymnast has eyes set on Olympics
Malania Stanley is jumping to new heights on the trampoline and has her sights set on being in the Olympics.
“I started gymnastics when I was nine. I started because I enjoyed flipping and learning new tricks,” she said. “I love flipping in the air and always being able to perfect and learn new skills.”
The homeschooled eighth grader practices at United Sports Academy in Scranton, where she is a member of the trampoline and tumbling team. She joined the competitive team in July 2021 and competed in double mini trampoline and trampoline and tumbling until July 2023. She is now a level 10 on double mini trampoline and a youth elite on trampoline. The youth elite level 10 is considered the professional sector of gymnastics.
Stanley says she practices five days a week for three to four hours at a time. She also practices for an hour of private lessons. She may also do an extra day for three hours.
Throughout her time on the trampoline, she has won state and regional competitions.
Stanley recently competed in the winter classic — the first national qualifier of the year. Trampolinists ranging from beginners to recent Olympians competed in the three qualifying events — trampoline, double mini and tumbling.
“I have never competed out of the country before, but it is a goal of mine,” Stanley said. “I have competed out of state before even as far as Arizonia. I’ve also competed in Florida, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Michigan, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania.”
Alexia Martin, Stanley’s coach for nearly 4 years, said she has a passion for the sport that does not go unnoticed.
“When I started coaching her, she was a level 7 on trampoline and is now an elite trampoline athlete in this extremely short period of time,” Martin said. “The next goal for her is to make the US National team for trampoline. Malania is a very hard worker. Her determination and dedication is unmatched and she is extremely resilient. She has a natural talent and always strives to be better than the previous day. It is a joy to have watched her reach these huge gymnastics milestones.”
Stanley seconded her coach’s comment and said she “hopes to make the Olympics” in the future.
“I’d feel very accomplished if I made the Olympics and proud of all the hard work and hours I put into this sport,” she said.
In addition to trampoline, Stanley said she does other sports, like soccer, competitive dance, basketball and lacrosse.
She daughter of Danielle and Nick Stanley, and the sister of Paris, Cali and Nick, Malania said she owes a lot to her gym.
“I am very thankful for my gym United Sports Academy and for all the people that supported me and helped me through this process such as my coach, my parents and my teammates. I truly wouldn’t be here without them,” she said.
