Local 10-year-old jumps into elite gymnastics program

Charlie Davis flies through the air during a training session at Black Diamond Gymnastics. Photo: Jessica Davis

PARK CITY, Utah — Ten-year-old Charlie Davis is making history at Black Diamond Gymnastics and Sports Center in Park City. His journey from summer camp participant to elite athlete has culminated in becoming the first from Black Diamond Gymnastics to earn a spot on the USA Gymnastics Elite Development JumpStart National Team for Trampoline & Tumbling (T&T).

Davis, who competes in trampoline, tumbling, and double mini trampoline disciplines, caught the coaching staff’s eye during a summer camp with his natural ability to maneuver through the air. Now in his fourth year of competition, he joins an exclusive group of just 57 athletes nationwide selected for the JumpStart program, which identifies promising T&T athletes ages 8-12 in levels 8 and above.

“Charlie is a great example of someone who follows his dreams and pushes himself to achieve his goals,” said Gen Tidwell, Director of Black Diamond’s T&T program.

“He’s a critical thinker and he loves the challenge of developing a growth mindset in his training sessions. Charlie also encourages his teammates and embraces sportsmanship at competitions because he wants everyone to excel,” Tidwell said.

Under Tidwell’s guidance, Davis has developed not only his physical abilities but also his mental toughness. At camp, he’ll train with the USA Gymnastics national team program alongside other top athletes, while Tidwell will collaborate with T&T coaches nationwide to bring fresh knowledge back to Utah’s programs.

“This sport is hard sometimes, but it’s so fun,” Davis said. “And now I get to start traveling with my coach, just like the elite athletes from Utah and other states do. It’s so cool. I’m nervous but excited. Coach Gen will make sure I’m ready.”

Davis’s motto is: “To be the top 1%, do what the other 99% of kids aren’t doing,” and takes particular pride in representing both his gym and his state. Drawing inspiration from Utah’s deep pool of T&T talent, this young athlete from Park City is proving that big dreams can take flight in small mountain towns.