Burke Native Wins Virginia State Gymnastics Championship

Burke, VA – Marc Pagan, a 12-year-old gymnast from Burke, Virginia, captured the Men’s Gymnastics Level 6 Virginia State Championship on March 6 at the Van Every Athletic Center on the campus of Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg. Pagan achieved an all-around score of 50.300, securing the top position across six events: vault, high bar, pommel horse, floor, rings, and parallel bars.

A Champion’s Journey

Pagan, who trains at Capital Gymnastics National Training Center in Burke, expressed his surprise at the win, noting a previous string of less successful performances. His aunt, Allison Altobelli, shared her pride, emphasizing Pagan’s dedication alongside his natural talent. “Marc is naturally talented, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t putting in the work. It’s starting to pay off, and it shows,” she said. Altobelli also highlighted the family’s long-standing connection to gymnastics, adding, “Watching Marc carrying on our family tradition is a huge source of pride for all of us. The nostalgia factor is amazing. We are very blessed to all share this unique talent.”

A Tightly Contested Competition

Pagan’s mother, Sharon White, described the competition as closely contested, with Pagan’s teammates initially leading in several events before his final performance secured the championship. Pagan himself admitted to initial doubts, recalling a struggle with his final event. “He really had to bring it on that last event,” White explained. Pagan added, “It was crazy because I didn’t think I was going to stick because in both of my warmups, I fell. I couldn’t believe it, and my coach was so happy.”

Dedication and Preparation

Despite moments of uncertainty, Pagan maintained his composure and delivered a winning performance. He follows a rigorous training schedule, dedicating four hours per day, Monday through Friday, and typically competes in eight meets during the fall and winter seasons. Pagan identified strong performances on the high bar and vault as key to his success. He noted that once he arrived at the competition with his teammates, his nerves dissipated. “Once you get there with all your teammates, it goes away. You have a job to do, and you just do it,” he said.

A Family Legacy and Future Aspirations

Pagan, who has been involved in gymnastics for three years, comes from a family with a rich history in the sport. His mother and aunt also competed, and his grandmother served as a coach. He credits his mother with encouraging him to try gymnastics, where he quickly found success. “I was really excellent at it from the start, so I just stuck with it. There was no reason for me to stop doing it,” he stated.

White acknowledged the sacrifices Pagan makes to pursue his passion, balancing the demands of training with school and social life. Pagan explored other sports, including soccer, baseball, and taekwondo, but ultimately found gymnastics to be the best fit.

Looking ahead, Pagan has ambitious goals, including competing on the Olympic stage. He is also considering college programs at Penn State and Stanford. He offered advice to aspiring gymnasts in Fairfax County: “Stick with it if you like it. If people try to bring you down… just maintain your head held high and don’t let it get to you.”

Next Steps: Regional Championships

With his state championship win, Pagan has qualified for next month’s regional championships in Atlanta. He will be joined by his Level 6 teammates, who also secured qualifying spots. “It’s an honor to be competing with gymnasts at that level,” Pagan said. He concluded by expressing gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and parents for their support and sacrifices.