High school gymnastics is fighting for its life in Montgomery County, and a former state champion gymnast is leading the effort after the county’s school officials announced plans to cut the sport after the 2026 season.

Montgomery County Public Schools Athletics notified programs earlier this year that gymnastics could be cut as an organized county sport, blindsiding athletes and coaches, said Blake High School gymnastics coach Danae Johnson.

Former Blake alumnus and an All-American gymnast, Johnson, now worries students could miss out on the sport.

“I did not advertise that this was the last season,” Johnson said earlier this year.

“I just advertised that we had a gymnastics team.”

Despite the program's uncertain future, Blake still drew about 25 athletes this season. Johnson sees that as a sign there's still strong interest in the sport.

Based on the MCPS Athletics records, Montgomery County gymnastics championships go back to 1978. There are still seven schools with gymnastics programs in the county this season.

Johnson said that taking away gymnastics would directly affect the opportunities for student participation, particularly for girls who want sports that combine athleticism and creativity.

“They’re going to lose a lot of the girls' participation in sports. This is a sport that shows off your creativity, personalities, especially on the floor."

Recently, the county has added newer sports, including girls’ flag football, pickleball, and stunt, a team-based sport emerging from cheerleading. The stunt was tested this spring at 13 schools and is being offered as an alternative opportunity for athletes who are already participating in gymnastics.

But several gymnasts say the two sports are not the same, such as freshman gymnast Maddyson Thomasson.

“Because not everyone can tumble and do stunts and everything, and this is something that you can do dance, jumps, and stunt. It’s something that everyone can enjoy.”

“It’s not going to be here and they’re replacing it with stunt, it’s not ideal,” Thomasson added.

Sophomore Mackenzie Harmon also said that gymnastics is a large part of her school experience and personal routine.

“This is the only varsity sport I do right now. It’s so much for me to have something to do after school besides just homework.”

Coaches like Danae Johnson are attempting to keep gymnastics intact for their students, but the state seems to be pushing for a change.

Coaches Like Danae Johnson Hope County Officials Reconsider the Decision

The number of counties competing in high school gymnastics has been steadily decreasing over the past few decades. Participation dropped from nearly 85,000 athletes in 1977 to fewer than 15,000 as of 2025, according to National Federation of State High School Associations data.

Still, Johnson thinks local programs still provide important opportunities for students who might not connect with traditional team sports.

Johnson also said county officials recently told coaches the decision to cancel is “still up in the air,” leaving hope gymnastics might live on in Montgomery County.

For Johnson, the battle is personal.

“I love being here. I love giving back to the community. And I’m happy that it’s here at Blake, where I graduated.”

Local children and coaches will be hoping that the authorities revoke the decision.

What do you think of the decision to remove gymnastics from schools? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Gymnastics Digest!

Written by

Chitrak Mukherjee

Edited by

Surjo Ray