Physical strength, flexibility, coordination, agility, balance, and control. Few sports require such high levels of conditioning and athleticism at a young age. And laying the groundwork to be a well-rounded gymnast is not for the faint of heart. With good coaching and a hunger for learning new skills, here’s a look at some young members of the Durango Gymnastics Academy as they hit the floor at the Mason Center Gymnasium.

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  Lined up on the beam and poised for action.

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  Coach Stephanie Walker spots Maddie Gleason on the vault.

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  Lexi Behn, left, and Morgan Wells limber up before getting busy on the balance beam.

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  A typical scene at the Mason Center Gymnasium.

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  Stephanie Walker gives a spot to Jordan Eler while training on the vault