Countywide : Camarillo Meet for Former Gymnasts to Begin Sunday

Mike Gonzales hasn’t swung his legs over a pommel horse in a while, but he’s going to give it a try Sunday.

The 51-year-old Thousand Oaks resident is one of about 25 former gymnasts from Southern California expected to meet in Camarillo for the Over-the-Hill Invitationals, a competition for retired gymnasts.

For Gonzales the event is more of a fun workout than a serious contest.

“I just try to keep from getting hurt,” the wiry Gonzales said.

“Last time I tried a back flip, I wound up with a detached forehead.”

Competition organizers said gymnasts 18 and older may enter the meet, which includes four women’s and six men’s events.

A $5 fee will be charged for each event.

Gymnasts may register in advance or at the competition at Pacific Coast Gymnastics, 508 Constitution Ave.

Gonzales may not be ancient, but when it comes to competitive gymnastics he’s definitely his-tory.

Most athletes retire at 20, he said, because “doing a fly-away off the high bar requires flexibility found only in young bodies.”

“But I’ve always enjoyed that sort of life-affirming stuff,” Gonzales said.

Open warm-ups for the competition begin at noon and march-in is at 2 p.m. For information call the gym at 388-5732.