Petra Matthies was born on May 24, 1993. She is the daughter of Erica and Janet. She has two sisters, Emma and Madeleine. Emma was a level eight gymnast, but now participates in track and cheerleading. Madeleine is a prep optional gymnast. Currently, Petra trains at Brestyan's American Gymnastics Club in Ashland with Mihai and Sylvia Brestyan. Before, she trained at Exxcel Gymnastics in Newton, Massachussetts.

She competed as a level eight in 2004. She won the all-around title at States. Petra also won beam and floor. At Regionals, she finished eighth all-around. She was competing level nine by the fall of 2004. She finished first all-around at the Parkette Invite early in 2005. She travelled to Nevada for the Vegas Vacation meet. Petra won the all-around. At States, she finished first on beam, floor and in the all-around. She then took the Regional title. Petra ended her level nine season by placing first at Easterns. In July, she competed as a child pre-elite at the US Challenge.

Petra moved up one level to ten in 2006. She won the Parkette Invite and finished second all-around at the Excalibur Cup. Petra then took her third consecutive state all-around title. She then picked up the regional all-around title. Petra competed at the JO Nationals in Oklahoma City next. She became the JO National Champion! Shortly after, Petra made junior international elite. She finished 12th all-around at the US Classic. She competed at her first national championships in August. In 2007, Petra won vault at the Excalibur Cup. She finished second on bars, floor, and in the all-around. At the Parkette Invitational, she won vault, beam and floor. She finished second all-around. The only elite meet she competed at in 2007 was the American Classic. In 2008, she qualified to junior pre-elite at the Parkette Invitational. Petra is currently coaching at Exxcel Gymnastics.

Fast Facts Name: Petra Matthies Birthday: May 24, 1993 Club: Brestyan's Level: Jr. Int'l Elite Brestyan's

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS 2006 Jr. US National Qualifier 2006 US Classic: 3rd FX 2006 JO National Champion 2005 L9 Eastern Champion 2003, 2004 TOP National Team

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Photos © Lloyd Smith & Michelle Banom