Ellie O’Donnell, who enjoyed a highly successful gymnastics and cheering career at Winthrop High School, added one more major achievement to her record before heading to the University of New Hampshire.
Competing in the Regional Gymnastics Championships against hundreds of top-tier athletes representing seven different states in Westford (Mass.) during Memorial Day weekend, O’Donnell soared to a first-place finish in the vault, registering a score of 9.55.
In addition to that accomplishment for which she received a medal and a trophy, O’Donnell placed in other events.
Peter Gobiel, who has been Ellie’s coach throughout her career, was in attendance for what was her final competition.
“This was a perfect way for Ellie to cap her superb career,” said Gobiel, “She was a five-year varsity gymnastics performer at Winthrop High, receiving a waiver so she could compete as an eighth grader. Ellie is right up there with some of the best all-time gymnasts in our program’s history. It’s been a pleasure to coach her all these years.”
Ellie understood the momentousness of her final competition.
“I’m happy that I won and pretty proud of myself,” said Ellie humbly. “It was a tough competition. My vault (following a run-up of 72 feet and 13 steps) was one of my best. It’s been a fun journey. Our Winthrop High team did a lot. And I’m fortunate to have had a great coach.”
The 18-year-old daughter of James O’Donnell and Barbara O’Donnell (who own the Winthrop House of Pizza), Ellie
was a captain of the WHS gymnastics and cheering teams.
At UNH, Ellie will be joining her sister, Mary, a former outstanding gymnast herself, who is entering her junior year at the college.
While her competitive pursuits have ended in the sport, Ellie will continue in her position as an instructor at Winthrop Gymnastics Academy and she hopes to become a certified judge in gymnastics.