Mark Zetlins daughter, Julie, to represent U.S. at 2012 Olympics

Mark Zetlins daughter, Julie, to represent U.S. at 2012 Olympics

WANADA is especially pleased to send kudos out to longtime member Mark Zetlin, Mercedes of Arlington (formerly America Service Center) for being rightfully proud of his daughter, Julie Zetlin, who is headed to the 2012 Olympics in London to represent the U.S. Rhythmic Gymnastics, a sport that combines the physicality of gymnastics with the grace of ballet, was last attempted by U.S. Olympic competitors in the 2004.

Julie says she knows she faces serious competition, particularly from her Russian counterparts who typically medal in the sport. But like she has her whole life, Julie says she will give it her best shot, which has never been halfhearted or yielding less than excellent results, according to her grandfather, Morty Zetlin who Mark followed into the business at Mercedes of Arlington. Indeed, Julies mother, Zsuzsi, was a junior national champion in rhythmic gymnastics as a youngster in Bulgaria

The Washington Post tells Julies story with comprehensive front page Sport Section coverage this week, noting her two decades of work and persistence through two knee surgeries and the combination of extreme athleticism, artistry, flexibility and hand-eye coordination needed to perform the sports routines with four apparatus: ribbons, balls, hoops and clubs.

Julie practices four to five hours each day at a gym in Darnestown, MD under the tutelage of her Russian instructor Olga Kutuzova, who has worked with her since she was nine. The goal is to tell a story through music, costume, choreography and gymnastics, she says.

Julie receives no funding from the U.S. Olympic Committee and only a modest sum from USA Gymnastics. After 18 years of practice, she says she knows her time is limited and that she will retire after the London games. The goal and the dream was to make the Olympics, and I hope that my participation in this great sport will inspire the next generation of Americans to follow me, she says. This is my time.

Indeed it is. WANADA congratulates Julie on her tremendous effort and wishes her a fantastic and successful Olympic adventure.