West Point’s Madison Eby competed in France this summer
West Point’s Madison Eby, a freshman at O’Neill High School, had quite the summer vacation — she and her baton traveled to Limoges, France to compete in the International Baton Twirling Federation Grand Prix competition.
Madison, the daughter of Master Sgt. Nathan and Ellissa Eby, has been participating in baton twirling (a rhythmic gymnastics type sport) since the age of three. She comes by it naturally; her mom also participated in the sport and now coaches Madison and others, with Madison’s Coach Linda Peters. Madison, 14, already has numerous state and regional titles, and has won a national title in her age group.
It was back in August that she and her mom traveled to her first international competition. There were twirlers from 19 countries involved — a total of 1226 competitors — and Eby placed fifth overall in her category (she was up against 19 girls in the Junior A Solo Division).
“Competing on this level was an honor to represent the United States, as my mother once did, was an amazing experience,” Madison said this week. “Seeing talent from around the world motivated me to do my very best. I also had a great time trading items and receiving gifts from different countries!”
Ellissa Eby is “super proud” of Madison, noting that she “really did phenomenal”.
“We’re just elated at her success,” Eby said. “She works very hard, spending lots of hours in the gym. We love her dedication.”
She trains in Hauppauge, Long Island, with a team called ‘The Sparklers’; in France she also competed with that group in a ‘West Side Story’ themed performance.
Madison, however, is not a one-sport kind of girl — she’s on O’Neill’s equestrian team, and is a strong runner, having dabbled in track.
She also is a role model for her two younger sisters, Maggie, 11, and Mackenzie, 8, who also participate in the sport. Madison also has a younger brother, Nathan, who is four, and the family is rounded out by Madison’s cousin, Kaitlin, 18.
So, what’s next for Madison and her baton when it comes to baton twirling? She’s got regional, state and national competitions coming up with the hopes of competing for the next World Championships.
