Rhythmic gymnastics team has success at Pan American Games

Submitted by Darl Kuhs

For the first time in more than a decade, the United States qualified a group team in the sport of rhythmic gymnastics in the Pan American Games.

The U.S. group, which represented the United States at the 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011 Rhythmic World Championships, trains at North Shore Rhythmics in Deerfield. The members of the group are Sydney Sachs, Sofya Roytburg, Megan Frohlich, Jessica Bogdanov, Michelle Przybylo and Aimee Gupta.

Coaches Natasha Klimouk and Dani Takova say, “A journey which began in 2006 through the support of USA Gymnastics, as well as the Glenview Park District and Deerfield Park District, and the vision of North Shore Rhythmics has culminated with the silver and bronze medals earned by the U.S. group in the event finals of the 2011 Pan American Games held last month in Guadalajara, Mexico.

“We are proud of our girls and happy that we have this perfect gym (at the Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield), where we can keep working and follow our next dream: Olympics.”

Sydney Sachs of Deerfield/North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center, said, “It really hit me when we were watching our flag rising in the middle and hearing our national anthem. I couldn’t believe we were standing up on the podium again and bringing another medal to the United States. It feels really good.”

For information about classes at North Shore Rhythmics, contact the Deerfield Park District at (847) 945-0650, or coaches Natasha Klimouk, (847) 414-0678, or Dani Takova, (224) 848-0423.

North Shore Rhythmics is housed in Deerfield Park District’s Sachs Recreation Center, 455 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield. Call (847) 572-2600.

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