Could Orangeburg be the next address of a 2012 Olympian?

Possibly.

Meet Giovonni Addison, or “G” as she’s called.

The talented rising senior at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School has been training with Reggie Mixon at April’s Gymnastics for the past 12 years.

Having already caught the eye of college scouts, “G” is hoping the University of Georgia will offer her a scholarship so she can further her competition and training.

As there are no in-state schools that offer gymnastics scholarships, N.C. State and LSU are her next choices.

While the 5-foot 7-inch athlete competes in all areas of gymnastics, the balance beam was once her weakest event.

“Since I’ve had to put so much time and work into it, the beam is now my favorite,” she says.

Giovonni is one of the 40 team members at the gym, and she puts in three to four hours of practice every day, Monday through Friday.

“She’s the oldest and the best,” says new business owner Jay Fanning.

Fanning and his wife, Traci, recently purchased the business from its previous owner, who moved to Blythewood to open a new facility.

“We talked with April (Thomas) a while back and told her that if she wanted to keep the gym open here, we’d love to have it,” Fanning says. “We have a lot of interest in this place. Trust me.”

Part of that interest is the couple’s 10-year-old daughter, Hailey. The younger Fanning has also caught the attention of college scouts.

Gymnastics not only opens doors of opportunity to further one’s education, but according to Traci, it builds self-esteem, discipline, cardio, concentration and coordination.

“It’s a dedicated sport,” she adds.

While “G” admits that Olympian Dominique Dawes is her role model, she tries to mother the younger kids and set an example for them.

“The kids look up to her,” says Traci Fanning.

The level 10 state vault champion is excited about the prospects of attending college on a gymnastics scholarship.

However, for the immediate future, she is training for the Regionals.

“I hope to make it to the Regionals and then to the Nationals this year,” Giovonni said.

And, to the 2012 Olympics.

“I can do it, if I push myself,” she said.

Registration at April’s Gymnastics is going on now through Aug. 15. Classes begin Sept. 2.

T&D Correspondent Rendy Boland can be reached with comments or story ideas by phone at 803-535-2222. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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