Even though Samantha is only 13 years old, she has already accomplished many amazing things in her gymnastics career while training at All Olympia Gymnastics Center (AOGC) in Los Angeles. There she is coached by Galina Marinova and Arthur Akopyan. And although she enjoys being a normal kid by hanging out with her friends, swimming, and watching movies, Samantha is a little out of the ordinary! She is working hard to reach her goals, which include one day competing for the United States in the Olympic Games! Born on May 18, 1993, she is just five months too young to try out for the 2008 Beijing Olympics so she is setting her sights on 2009 and beyond. 

Samantha was a three-time USA National TOPS team member (2002, 2003, 2004) as early as age nine! She had the highest overall National TOPS scores in her age division in both 2003 and 2004 in both strength/flexibility and skills level, which is quite a feat! Samantha was also crowned the 2002 Level 6 and 2003 Level 7 California State Champions.

Samantha’s talent was noticed early on and she skipped her first level 8 season, choosing to go directly to level 9 in 2004. She had a strong season and finished 21st at 2004 Level 9 Western Championships, the biggest meet that a Level 9 can participate in. Samantha went on to compete level 10 the next year, when she became the 2005 Level 10 State Champion and qualified to the 2005 JO Nationals Championships by placing second at Regionals. 

At the biggest meet of her young career, Samantha placed 9th in the all-around and 7th on bars and floor! Now she entering the exciting world of elite gymnastics! After competing successfully in several spring invitationals, Samantha tested elite and qualified to the U.S. Classic in Kansas City. There she had an amazing meet, finishing 4th in an impressive field of talented gymnasts. But despite competing with such accomplished gymnasts, Samantha stood out thanks to her beautiful form, choreography, and technique. These attributes helped to earn her a spot on the USA National Team after competing at the VISA Championships in St. Paul. Samantha finished just out of the top 12 in the all-around, but was hand-selected to make the National Team based on the quality and skill-level of her gymnastics.

DID YOU KNOW?
 Gymnastics is literally a family affair for the Shapiros. Samantha has a younger sister, Nicole, who is also in the sport! Born on August 12, 1997, she finished 3rd in the all-around and 1st on vault and bars at the 2005 Level 5 State Championships in San Diego! She also won the 2006 Level 6 State Championship and 2007 Level 7 State Championship titles. Nicole is currently competing level 8 where she finished 3rd at the 2008 California State Championships and 2nd at Region 1 Championships.

 Samantha spends time volunteering with special needs children at Broadway Elementary School. She is also a straight A student!

Birthdate: May 18, 1993
Siblings: sister Nicole, level 8 gymnast
School: Windward School
Grade: 10th (Fall of 2008)
Hobbies: dance, going to the beach, movies

Gym: All Olympia Gymnastics Center
Coaches: Galina Marinova and Arthur Akopyan (read more!)
Began Gymnastics: age 6

Favorite Book: Animal Farm
Favorite Event: all four!
Favorite Food: banana
Favorite Music: Rolling Stones
Favorite Subject: math
Favorite TV Show: So You Think You Can Dance, Survivor