Rockford, Illinois-Two young ladies from the Gymnasts Academy of Rockford have proven to be among the best in the nation.   12 year old Megan Hultgren and 11 year old Anaka Benink have qualified for the National Champions of Gymnastics in their age groups for level 9.

They'll head to West Virginia for that at the end of this month.  They recently finished first and second in the all-around competition at the Regionals in Michigan to qualify for Nationals.  That's a rare feat for Rockford Gymnasts. 

"It's been many years since we've had that," said coach Lori Aamodt.  "It is an amazing accomplishment.  These two girls have worked so hard."

"I think I'll do pretty good," said Benink.  "I"m just going to do my best and go hard for it."

"I think we'll do good," agreed Hultgren.  "We always try to get the same goals and figure stuff out together and correct each other."

The two girls practice 25 hours a week.  They've been attending the Gymnastics Academy of Rockford for six years.