She's Leaps and Bounds Above Competition

Patch Whiz Kid/Team/Club of the Week: Gymnast Elizaveta "Liza" Pletneva

Whiz Kid's School/Church/Community Center: Liberty Academy of Rhythmic Gymnastics, Fairfield; Washington Elementary School, West Caldwell

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: The third grader is one of nine gymnasts who headed to the National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Orlando last weekend, qualifying by placing in the top five of level 6 in the regional championships held in Ohio. This was Pletneva’s third trip to Nationals.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: For four years, Liza Pletneva has trained with Nataliya Chernova and the Liberty Academy of Rhythmic Gymnastics, Fairfield, for four hours a day, four-to-six days a week. However, this young lady won’t complain to you about her late nights or long workouts. No, she has bigger plans.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Pletneva is a strong student and amicable girl who came to the United States at the age of three. Now a third grader at , Pletneva is planning for the year 2020, when she will be of age to participate in the Olympics.

Already an accomplished gymnast, Pletneva began studying gymnastics with Chernova at the age of five. In 2009, she qualified for the Nationals in Virginia, and again in 2010 in Oregon. After placing first in this year’s regional competition, Pletneva travelled to Florida on June 4 for her third national competition, and first as a level six gymnast. 

“My favorite gymnasts are first Olympian Alina Kabaeva, and second Anna Besenova,” said Pletneva.

Rhythmic gymnasts compete with ball, hoop, rope and ribbon, creating routines that use the props to enhance their performance. Pletneva competes with all four, currently favoring the rope. “Rope is my best,” she says.

At school, Pletneva also plays violin, and enjoys spending any free time swimming and playing with friends. Recently, she performed her routines in front of friends and teachers at Washington School.

“This is a child that is always prepared,” said Washington School Principal Barbara Adams. “She puts in her four hours per day there, and is always prepared here.”

Although Pletneva stresses that gymnastics is hard and takes a lot of practice, her love of the sport and power of her dream are easy to see. When asked if she thinks she will make it to the 2020 Olympics, Pletneva responded quickly. “No,” she said. (pause) “I know I will make it.”