HIGH-SCHOOL-SPORTS

Sanford Standout: O'Gorman's Jamie Benedict soars as a senior

David Nicholson
dnicholson@argusleader.com

It’s fair to say that O’Gorman gymnast Jamie Benedict represents the exception, not the rule.

Benedict has taken a quantum leap forward in her senior season. Though golf figures to be her sport in college, her gymnastics season  has included a first-place all-around finish at the O’Gorman Triangle, a second-place all-around finish in Madison — where she took first on the beam — and a first-place floor finish in Brookings.

“For a senior, it’s pretty rare to be getting these skills. Usually at junior or senior level you’ve maxed out your abilities — you’re polishing up,” Bork said, “but she actually has the ability to gain a whole bunch of new skills. She’s really expanded her repertoire.”

This season, Benedict has been a model of consistency at nearly every meet, but she might be at her best in floor exercise. Like with other events, there’s plenty of focus on technique and execution — but presentation also takes a precedent.

“For judges, it’s important that you are able to have high difficulty — not just to have jumps or tumbling, but do both,” Bork said. “[Benedict] has a full routine. … She dances really well to her music, and she gets really into the music. Judges like to see that.”

Benedict helped play a hand in the Knights’ runner-up finish in the team competition at the state meet in Brookings.

“She doesn’t lose it, you know. If something doesn’t work right for her, she doesn’t let it get to her,” Bork said, “and she doesn’t allow it to bother the team.”