The torch is blazing, and the Paris 2024 Olympics Games are officially underway. One sport viewers at home can’t seem to take their eyes off — Artistic Gymnastics. What happens on the floor or balance beam has all the makings of a great story; nail-biting tension, drama, and triumph when our favorite athlete clenches gold. We can’t get enough.
But before a young gymnast ever takes the Olympic podium with that gold medal around their neck, they begin far from the spotlight training and lots of falling in the gym. Training sites like these are found here in Charlotte.
“It’s not a job, it’s your life. It’s what you do,” said Enouch Stewart, coach and owner of Charlotte Gymnastics Academy since 2001. “Kids don’t like to sit still. In gymnastics, they get to do what they can’t in school.”
In his career, Enouch has trained thousands of students. He credits young athletes’ determination and persistence for overcoming the physical and emotional challenges competitive gymnastics brings.
Enouch anticipates a surge of aspiring, new students join Charlotte Gymnastics Academy after seeing top athletes like Simone Biles competing on the Olympic stage. Every champion began somewhere — a future Olympian could be training right now in Charlotte.
“There’s something in your mind that tells you can be just as good as what you see on TV,” said Enouch.
Know someone interested in taking up Artistic Gymnastics? Here are just a few places in Charlotte to check out:
- Charlotte Gymnastics Academy | 710 Peninsula Ln., Ste. A, Charlotte
- Carolina Flipz | 10160 Pineville Distribution, Ste. B, Pineville
- Gym-Fit Sports Center | 2401Whitehall Park Dr., Charlotte
- The Little Gym of Charlotte | 2935 Providence Rd., Charlotte
- Perfect Balance Training Center | 8850 Monroe Rd., Charlotte
