When the girls of Studio X-Treme traveled to Greensboro, N.C., last week to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics, they did not know what to expect. Now these same girls return with four first-place medals and six top-five finishes.

“We went in expecting nothing because we had never done this event, and it was something new, so then we were very shocked, surprised and grateful for what the girls did win,” said Studio X-Treme owner Heather Davis.

Russellville’s 7-year-old Elizabeth Davis placed first in one-baton and freestyle and fifth in basic strut in the 7-9-year-old category.

Hamilton’s 15-year-old Macie Bishop placed first in freestyle and multi-baton, second in parade strut, sixth in military strut, seventh in one baton and seventh overall in the 13-15 category.

Davis said the girls continued to surprise themselves throughout the competition as they set the bar high for the studio.

“I think it taught us that if you work hard and set attainable goals and don’t give up on what you want to achieve, then anything is possible,” Davis said, “even for small-town twirlers like these girls are.” 

Davis said Elizabeth and Macie have used this competition as motivation to work hard and excel. The girls are already hard at work on next year’s routines.

“If they work hard, then obviously the end result is very exciting,” Davis said.

Davis said next year the studio plans on bringing more girls to compete. Next year’s AAU Junior Olympics will be in Virginia Beach – Davis said she has already booked her hotel for next year.