At the start of 2002 National Championships in Cleveland, Ohio, Sarah Shire was a virtual unknown. After impressing the spectators, the judges, and other members of the gymnastics community, she walked away with a top ten finish in the all-around.

Incredibly powerful and flexible, Sarah really has no weaknesses. She's a determined, focused, world-class elite gymnast who made the National Team and earned a medal at her first European meet in 2002 - not bad for a first year international elite.

The husband & wife team of Al Fong and Armine Barutyan has proved to be a valuable investment for Sarah. Training under several coaches before reaching the elite level, her routines and execution have been polished and perfected. She continues to increase her start values on all four events, most notably debuting a double twisting Yurchenko on vault at the 2003 Parkette Invitational.

Other highlights include a Gienger release on bars; a roundoff-layout stepout mount, back handspring to two layout stepouts, switch leap to back tuck, a side somi, and a double pike dismount off beam; on floor she does four difficult tumbling passes (full-twisting double pike, triple twist, 2 1/2 twist to front layout, and a double pike) as well as impressive dance combinations. Her unique choreography and style add flair to all of her routines.

Sarah is no different from the rest of her classmates at Arch Bishop O'Hara High School though. She still has to deal with teachers, homework, and projects like her friends - only she has the pressure of International Elite gymnastics to contend with also! When she's not busy training for the 2003 World Championships or 2004 Olympic Games, she's watching TV or movies (her favorites include ER and Remember the Titans) or catching up on the latest Harry Potter book.

Photos © Lloyd Smith and Nelse Hansen