U.S. Gold Medalists Inspiring Local Gymnasts

Weeks after the "Fierce Five" grabbed gymnastics gold for the U.S.A, their impact is still felt inside gyms like Starz Academy in Green Bay.

"I was like I hope they win, I hope they win, I hope they win," says 12-year old Alyssa Brugger describing how she felt watching the U.S. Women perform at the Olympics.

Seven year old Danika Apple doesn't hesitate when asked her favorite part of the London games.

"When Gabby won gold," she shares with a smile.

Starz Academy Owner and Coach Melissa Roberts says every four years interest grows even more in gymnastics due to the Olympics.

"We get a lot of phone calls and emails," Roberts says of the increase in business.

"The U.S. just does amazing in gymnastics and people just get locked in to watching them on TV.  It's amazing the stuff that they do and how far gymnastics has come just over the last 30years."

Winning a gold medal at the Olympics some day is the dream of most boys and girls at the gym, but even if they never get that far there are plenty of life lessons to be learned along the way.

"Self discipline, self-esteem, time management is a big one," says Roberts.

"Goal setting, leadership skills, learning how to follow directions and listening."

"I get lots of confidence and courage," says Brugger of watching the U.S. Women competing.  If they can do it, than I can do what I do."

"I've learned that you need to have patience to get skills," says 11-year old Sarah Cavill. You can't just throw it right away; you have to do drills, and drills, and drills."

"It's fun and you get stronger," says seven-year old Apple when asked how gymnastics can help her.  "Then you can eat a little bit of candy when you want to."

After watching the U.S. Women bring home the gold, Cavil and the rest of the athletes are eager to follow in their footsteps.

"I want to go to college for it (gymnastics).  "Or the Olympics."