THORNTON – The Class 5A gymnastics state championships concluded with the individual titles being handed out in all four events on Saturday night at Thornton High School.

And in all four events, this season’s individual event finals feature brand new winners.

For first-time champions like Standley Lake’s Kira White, who won the individual vault title with a score of 9.525, their victories marked breakthrough moments in their high school gymnastics careers. And for White, specifically, it was a relief to finally have things go her way at a state meet.

“It’s surreal. I’ve been working for it all season,” White, a junior, said. “And honestly, I was just happy to be here and happy to do my best. I don’t think it’s hit me yet. For the first two years, I’ve kind of had a rough meet for individuals and I’m just happy to break that cycle. Now, I can be happy to come back next year and hopefully do it again.” 

Joining White atop the individual podium, Evergreen’s Seeley Beecher won the uneven bars with a score of 9.625, Elizabeth’s Braeleigh Melsness won the floor routine with a score of 9.525 and Niwot’s Genevieve Saunders, who won the 4A all-around title early in the day, won the balance beam with a score of 9.625.

“It maybe wasn’t a goal for me this season,” Saunders said of the all-around title. “I was just trying to do the best that I could. I didn’t really think I could get all-around winner. But I’m really just proud of overall how I did.”

The top-three finishers in vault went to White, Roosevelt's Alea Piddington (9.375) and Fort Morgan's Michelle Headley (9.350), while Beecher won bars and Niwot's Maeve Flentie was second (9.300) and Piddington was third (9.175). On beam, Saunders won (9.625), while Elizabeth's Braeleigh Melsness was second (9.525) and Niwot's Lilly O'Neill was third (9.425). On floor, White (9.500) was second to Melsness (9.525) and Roosevelt's Makaylee Meyer was third at 9.450. 

Also in the 4A all-around, Standley Lake’s Merrick Nakatsu finished runner-up, while Northfield’s Ocean Pierce and Niwot’s Lilly O’Neill tied for third with a score of 36.525. 

Also earlier on Saturday, Niwot won the 4A team championship.