10-year-old gymnast Maia Campbell flipping into history

In the competitive realm of gymnastics, Jamaica’s own Maia Campbell embodies the perfect blend of raw talent and relentless determination. The 10-year-old, who showcases her artistic side as a dancer with Plie for the Arts, is already making her mark in a sport that demands mental fortitude, physical strength, and artistic precision.

Her gymnastics journey began like many great stories – unexpectedly. “I got interested when my mom noticed me flipping all around the house, so she signed me up for gymnastics,” the young Campbell recalled. “It was fun, and I really enjoyed it, so I wanted to continue.”

At just three years old, Campbell’s potential was evident as she competed in her first event, the Kinder Gym Nishida Gymnastics Level Grading. In 2020, she was invited to join Nishida’s Gymnastics NGR Star and USAG Programme.

“The coaches recognised it wasn’t just about climbing furniture ... Maia had real talent,” said her mother, Yolande Hylton.

Now training four hours a day, three days a week, Maia balances rigorous gymnastics sessions with academic excellence. A grade five student at Stella Maris Preparatory School, she maintains an impressive 90th percentile average, proving her ability to excel both on the mat and in the classroom.

She earned silver (2023) and bronze (2024) medals in the long jump at the KISA Prep School Championships. She is also a member of her school’s swim team.

Campbell’s accomplishments speak volumes. From winning first place in the USAG Level 1 All-Around at the Gasparilla Classics in Tampa, Florida, in 2022, to qualifying for Jamaica’s Junior Gymnastics Team in 2023, she has consistently delivered exceptional performances.

Behind Campbell’s success is her strongest supporter – her mother. Hylton, a single parent, has made countless sacrifices to nurture her daughter’s talent.

“Maia is disciplined and focused,” Hylton shared. “Whether it’s earning top marks in class or nailing a balance beam routine, she’s always giving her all.”

Campbell shares this admiration for her mother, calling her the biggest motivator in her journey. “My mom encouraged me to keep going, even when I wanted to quit,” Campbell said. “She always tells me it’s okay and motivates me to keep trying.”

This unwavering support helps Campbell consistently surpass her previous achievements. In 2023, she earned second place in USAG Level 4 at the Jamaica Gymnastics Classics, then proceeded to secure first place in USAG Level 5 at the Jamaica Carifta Trials in October.

More recently, Campbell excelled at the Jamaica Gymnastics Classics, achieving an overall first-place finish in USAG Level 5. She did well in the competition with first in bars, second in balance beam, third in vault, and fourth in floor. This event, held on Sunday, December 1, followed her outstanding performance at the Carifta Gymnastics Competition the previous day, where she earned an overall second-place finish in the Under-11 category. At Carifta, Campbell placed first in beam and vault, tied for second in floor, and secured third in bars.

Continuing on her rapid advancement, Campbell now aspires to move on to USAG Level 6 and compete in the Simone Biles Invitational, scheduled for late January 2025. Looking ahead, she dreams of representing Jamaica at the Olympics, exploring gymnastics opportunities in Europe, and inspiring young gymnasts to follow their own dreams.

With the upcoming Simone Biles Invitational and other developmental opportunities, her mother has noted that additional sponsorship is needed to help her reach her full potential.

“Your support could shape the future of a dedicated young athlete who embodies determination and excellence,” Hylton shared. “By sponsoring Maia, you’re not just investing in her – you’re investing in the growth of gymnastics in Jamaica and supporting a promising young talent.