Olympian, World Champion Chellsie Memmel to Guest Coach Local Gymnasts

Elizabethtown, KY – Becca’s Place Gymnastics is bringing Olympian, World Champion, and Elite gymnast Chellsie Memmel to guest coach at their team camp this July. Owners, head coaches, and sisters Jessika Bohannon-Ferriss and Jennifer Ryan made the announcement to their competitive team at the gymnastics center’s annual banquet last night at the Historic State Theater in Elizabethtown.

The coaches revealed the news with a personal video message from Memmel to the more than 100 gymnasts and their families in attendance. Ferris said the announcement was met with great excitement.

“You could hear the audible gasp when Chellsie’s face came up on the big screen,” said Ferriss. “So many of our gymnasts follow her on Instagram and just love her. She is an inspiration to so many.”

The 2005 world all-around champion, 2003 world champion on uneven bars, and the 2008 Olympic silver medalist recently returned to elite competitive status after an eight-year hiatus during which time she got married and had two children.

“What she did was unheard of in this sport and really in most any sport. She was out there competing at the highest level with the most elite gymnasts in the country and she was absolutely amazing,” Ryan said. “We are so excited to have her spend time with our athletes later this summer.”

Ferriss said that as in years past, plans are already underway to have a fundraiser in conjunction with Memmel’s visit.

“Service to others is one of our core values so we always want to find a way to give back,” said Ferriss. “Last year our guest Olympian helped us raise money for the Ward sisters, Adley and Tenley, in their cancer battle. Chellsie’s passion is lifting up women and girls, so we’ll be announcing soon how, as a gym, we’re going to support Chellsie’s passion right here in our community.”

Ryan said that during her visit to Hardin County, Memmel will also make a public appearance for anyone who isn’t a part of the Becca’s Place competitive team but would still like to meet her and have their picture taken.

“We’ll announce details of her public appearance as we get closer to her visit,” Ryan said. “But we want to make sure gymnasts and Chellsie’s fans from across Kentucky, and even Indiana can have the chance to meet her if they’d like.”

Ryan said Memmel also has a huge following among adults, most especially moms.

“Her fan base really transcends gymnastics.” Said Ryan.

In a video message that we shared at the banquet, Memmel also spoke to moms and dads, saying:

“It’s never too late to follow your dreams. My message isn’t just about gymnastics. It’s about any sport or any personal or professional goal that you may have…and I’m talking to you moms, you too dads. Parents can also follow their dreams. Too often we abandon our dreams because they seem crazy or unrealistic, but there’s no such thing. Only people not brave enough to chase them and go after it.”

– Chellsie Memmel