10-year-old Lubbock gymnast Paycen Thero becomes national champion

Paycen Thero hopes to go to the Olympics someday. But for now, the 10-year-old Lubbock gymnast will revel in her national championship title.

Last month, Paycen won first place in the floor tumbling event for level 6 nine- and 10-year-old girls during USA Gymnastics' 2024 Stars and Stripes National Championship meet in Fort Worth. She scored a 36.530 to snag the gold. To qualify, she swept state and regional competition — and every other meet she's attended all year long.

"It feels crazy," Paycen told the Avalanche-Journal. "Like you can't really believe that you're actually the best in the nation, but it feels good."

The journey to a national title wasn't necessarily an easy one. The New Home Elementary student trains hard, putting in up to 12 hours each week at Air Extreme under coaches Byron Smith, Chad Fox, Sharon Snead, and Brad and Amanda Davis.

But while Paycen has been pushing her body, her body has been pushing back on her, complicating the path to the title and making the win even more impressive. Not only does Paycen suffer from sever asthma, but In April, she was diagnosed with celiac disease — an autoimmune disorder that prevents the body from absorbing nutrients and comes with all sorts of gastrointestinal symptoms, requiring a special diet.

"She has been struggling with lots of G.I. problems. Lots of doctors, lots of vomiting, and we couldn't get it under control" mom Chelsea Thero said. "Literally the day before the national meet, we were pulled over on the side of the road for her to get sick.

"And she still won. She's a tough cookie. A whole different beast."

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Despite the health setbacks and the tough training schedule, Paycen manages to maintain A-average grades and stay involved at First Christian Church. Chelsea said the national championship has helped to boost Paycen's outlook in other areas of life.

"She said, 'Mom, since I've won nationals, I feel like I really can do anything,'" Chelsea said. "I feel like she's gained a whole different confidence. She believes in herself more now that she saw herself do it."

Paycen also qualified for nationals in trampoline and double-mini trampoline. Though tumbling is not currently an Olympic sport, trampoline is, and Paycen has her eye on the world stage.

In the meantime, she'll keep training.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: 10-year-old Lubbock gymnast Paycen Thero becomes national champion