ThisWeek Staff Writer

The new owners of Integrity Gymnastics and Cheerleading hope their enthusiasm is contagious.

Three-time U.S. Olympian and Columbus native Blaine Wilson and his wife, Aliane Baquerot-Wilson, took over the Plain City gym in April. Boasting extensive pasts in athletics, the couple want to pass along the skills they’ve learned and their love for gymnastics.

“Essentially gymnastics for me was fun, and the more fun you have, the better gymnast you become,” Wilson said.

The couple would like the gym to draw both serious gymnasts and those looking for fun.

“(Gymnastics) just aren’t for recreation, but balance,” Wilson said. “For kids in here who want to be an Olympian, we can get them there.”

Wilson, who retired from competition in 2008, did some looking around before purchasing Integrity earlier this year. His hometown had a big pull on him.

“I looked in California, but this is home. I couldn’t go anywhere else,” Wilson said.

The large facility also was a benefit.

“Right now we have a lot of space. (The) possibilities are endless,” Wilson said. “We want to get so many kids in here, we have to expand.”

While the Wilsons are currently concentrating on making a smooth transition from the previous owners by maintaining similar class offerings, the future holds many options.

Volleyball and other sports could be added down the road.

“I’d like to make it a multi-sport complex eventually,” Wilson said.

Gymnastics classes are offered from preschool to college level, but Wilson said an adult gymnastics class is a possibility in the future.

“It’s big in New York,” he said. “I’d encourage adult gymnastics classes. I don’t see it done around here much.”

Wilson said he doesn’t do much coaching now, but helps around the gym during classes. He’s planning to coach a camp this summer with fellow Olympian Chellsie Memmel.

“I’ve been coaching since (1994). It’s very easy for me,” he said.

Baquerot-Wilson, a rhythmic gymnast, said she never envisioned coaching while she was young, but after learning lessons on the mats, she believes she has knowledge to share.

“After years of being out of the sport, knowing what I know now I think would have made me a better gymnast,” she said. “I can teach that.”

Wilson’s past in the sport will help him form a good coaching staff, he said.

“I know a lot of people just from gymnastics, so I’m not going to hire shoddy coaches,” he said. “I know who’s good.”

“We want it to be a big celebration of the sport,” Baquerot-Wilson said.

Integrity Gymnastics and Cheerleading is located at 8185 Business Way, Plain City.

Posted in: Blaine Wilson, Gymnastics, Press |