COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 10, 2017 – Kadyn McCafferty of Gymnastics Olympica, Jaden Bottarini of Gymnastics Olympica, Vahe Petrosyan of Gymnastics Olympica, and David Shamah of Kennett School, won the 10-, 11-, 12-, and 13-year-old all-around titles, respectively, at the 2017 Future Stars National Championships at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Future Stars National Championships is held in conjunction with the National Coaches Workshop, the premier educational event for the men’s program.

In the 10-year-old division, McCafferty posted an 82.800 to win the all-around for the division. Gymnastics Olympica’s Kiran Chhetri took second at 82.350, finishing just ahead of Zander Malinis of Lakeshore Academy, who was third at 81.350.

For the 11-year-old crown, Jaden Bottarini of Gymnastics Olympica posted a 85.600 for first, followed by Lakeshore Academy’s Oleksandr Shybitov (83.050) and GMS Gymnastics’ Jesse Hanny (80.450) in second and third, respectively.

Petrosyan claimed the 12-year-old all-around top spot by posting an 85.400. Kai Uemura of Lakeshore Academy placed second with 84.550. Rounding out the medals podium was Lakeshore Academy’s Jack Barden (83.950).

Shamah edged past Lucas Daniels Hocking Valley to grab the 13-year-old title, 84.350 to 84.20. Arun Chhetri of Gymnastics Olympica was not far behind at 84.000.

The Future Stars National Championships showcase the USA’s top 10-, 11-, 12- and 13-year-old male gymnasts who perform special Future Stars competitive routines. Based on the results at the championships, USA Gymnastics identifies the Junior National Developmental Team, which includes the top 16 gymnasts in both the 10- and 11-year-old divisions, 12 gymnasts in the 12-year-old division, and the top six gymnasts in the 13-year-old division. The top eight athletes in the 10- and 11-year-old divisions, the top six athletes in the 12-year-old division, and top three athletes in the 13-year-old division will be invited to a special Future Stars camp to be held at the USOTC next summer.

In addition to the competition, Future Stars athletes and their parents participate in workshop activities that feature lectures, technical presentations, and hands-on coaching sessions. Presenters include Junior National Coaching Staff members, National Team coaches, sports science personnel, U.S. Olympic Committee staff and special guests.

The Future Stars program is designed is to identify talented athletes and to start them on the right developmental path to national and international success. The program uses a special competitive routine format to evaluate the skill, strength and flexibility development of the elite athlete.

Photos by Steve Lange


10-Year Old National Team


11-Year Old National Team


12-Year Old National Team


13-Year Old National Team