Original article published on the Daily Herald by Michelle Meyer

Update as of 10/10/23 – Alison Wright brought home a silver medal for Team USA following her performance on the balance beam at the Gymnastics Masters Team World Cup. Congratulations, Alison!

ALGONQUIN, Ill. (Sept. 28, 2023) -- Alison Wright quit gymnastics when she was 19, after training since she was 3 years old. She was planning to compete in college but "retired" just before the season started.

"That was one of the biggest regrets I have," she said. "I think I was nervous or I didn't feel like I was prepared for it."

Now, 32 years later and at the age of 51, the Algonquin resident is preparing to compete in the Gymnastics Masters Team World Cup in Einbeck, Germany. The Friday, Oct. 6, competition will feature teams of gymnasts ages 30 and older from the United States, Germany, Great Britain and Japan.

Wright will be performing on the balance beam -- one of her favorite events -- for Team USA.

"This is sort of my Olympics," she said.

Wright competes as an adult gymnast in the Amateur Athletic Union. This summer, she brought home a gold, two silver and two bronze medals from the AAU Gymnastics National Championship in Florida.

Wright restarted her training a mere two years ago after being inspired by an article about adult gymnastics.

"There's a whole community out there that I didn't know about," she said.

Finding a gym with an adult program was difficult until she came across Royalty Gymnastics, Tumble and Dance in Huntley.

Owner Edmar Nicolas said Wright is the reason he started an adult program. He said she is like a celebrity at the gym.

"I have my gymnasts look up to her," Nicolas said. "If she can still do it, so can anyone."

Click here to read the full article by Michelle Meyer.