WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Kansas State Gymnastics Championship began Friday afternoon at Wichita Hoops.

Over 1,200 girls ages 5 to 19 are participating in the three-day competition for state titles and hoping to qualify for regional and national championships.

“It’s just the pinnacle of their season. After they compete in several meets all year, they have to qualify to get here, and so this is kind of a big hoorah for them,” said Shannon Turner, owner of Wichita Gymnastics and State Meet Director.

The youngest athletes start in a developmental program.

“Three through 10. And then we have Excel that goes from bronze, silver, gold, platinum, diamond, sapphire. So, we have two full sets of equipment going on at the same time, and we’ve got 16 judges and lots and lots of helpers,” said Turner.

Taelynn Brown, 7, was a runner for Wichita Gymnastics on Friday. She said that her favorite event to do in gymnastics is vault because she got first place in her last two competitions. However, her favorite event to watch is bars because she likes how they spin.

The competition runs through Sunday.