Beach District Female Athlete of the Year
Salem gymnast Leslie Delima stepped onto the mat knowing that in this, the final event of her high school career, she needed a 9.45 to put the perfect stamp on her legacy; earning an elusive state championship. Four-time State Champion Kara Wright (First Colonial) was all that stood in her way last year, as Delima had to be content with the title of state runner-up.
But 2007 was her year, and as she spun around the uneven bars, the State Championship that had spun around in her head so many times became a reality. With a 9.775, the soft-spoken tumbler finished in a tie for third in that event, but most importantly claimed the title of 2007 All-Around State Champion.
With a four-event score of 39.075, the senior gymnast was able to take her turn on the top spot on the podium. In addition to the all-around title, Delima was the State Champion in the vault and floor exercise. She also finished in second place on the balance beam.
Delima exuded excellence during her entire career as a four year starter at Salem High School. She is only the second gymnast in the history the school to win the all-around state title and she is the fourth Sundevil to win a state championship on the vault and floor routines. She also earned a perfect 10 on the floor routine en route to a Beach District championship.
Delima finishes her high school career with 15 third place finishes, 31 second place finishes, and a remarkable 110 first place medals. She is the most decorated Salem gymnast ever and demonstrated a tremendous work ethic both in the gymnasium and in the classroom.
"Leslie simply works extremely hard, is incredibly talented," Salem gymnastics head coach Wendy Cauthen says, "She is picture perfect when it comes to execution and consistency."
Cauthen credits Delima's personality as an essential component to her athletic and academic accomplishments. "Most gymnasts have a hard edge about them that keeps them competitive and fired up as much as possible," Cauthen says. "Leslie has a more laid back approach to gymnastics. She is not flashy or snobby. Even though Leslie has competed all over the country and in some other parts of the world, you would never know it as she quietly walks the halls of Salem High."
But don't let that quiet exterior fool you. When the pressure is on, Leslie Delima's actions have spoken louder than her words ever could.
