Traveling 1,400 Miles, Simone Biles Invitational Set to Give 10-Year-Old Golden Chance in Gymnastics Career
Maia Campbell, a 10-year-old gymnast enthusiast, is taking on a challenge that most could only dream of—traveling 1,400 miles from her home in Jamaica to Houston, Texas. You are wondering what it could be. None other than to compete in the Simone Biles Invitational in January 2025. And this is just the beginning for her. For Maia, this isn’t just another event! It’s more than just a gymnastics competition; it’s a golden opportunity to showcase her talent, gain exposure, and learn from some of the best in the world, and trust me, she’s so excited; it’d elevate your spirit!
Maia is a dreamer, wanting to represent Jamaica at the Olympics and make everyone proud in her country and family. This journey to this event is proof of her passion, determination, and the support of her family. She prepares to step onto the mat at the Simone Biles Invitational this January, but before that she needs our support. Her story is going to serve as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, reminding us all that with hard work and belief, any dream is within reach.
The start of a star in the making—Maia Campbell
So how did Maia get into gymnastics? In fact, the answer to this is unpredictable, but it will definitely put a smile onto your face; also, it almost began by accident. It was her mother’s keen eye that noticed her flipping around the house, a sign of the raw talent that no one at that time guessed would eventually take her to international competitions. “I got interested when my mom noticed me flipping all around the house… It was fun, and I really enjoyed it, so I wanted to continue,” says Maia, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she recalls it.
When she was three, her natural abilities were clear, and she joined gymnastics in 2014. Since then, Maia has gone kaboom on her training! From strength to strength, balancing the rigorous schedule, she still shines in her class after all that, maintaining an average of 90th percentile as a grade five student at Stella Maris Preparatory School. What an exceptional little girl! “Maia’s gymnastics journey was not just about flips and tricks,” says Yolande Hylton, her mother. “The coaches recognized it wasn’t just about climbing furniture… Maia had real talent.”
Yolande’s words reflect the early recognition of Maia’s abilities, leading to her invitation to join Nishida’s Gymnastics NGR Star and USAG Programme in the year 2020. This was the start of a series of impressive achievements that led her to this day, from winning first place in the USAG Level 1 All-Around at the Gasparilla Classics in Tampa, Florida, in 2022, to qualifying for Jamaica’s Junior Gymnastics Team in 2023. Maia’s story is one of the best rapid progressions, with her dedication and the sacrifices made by her family to nurture her talent, and now she is about to fly 1400 miles to make her dream true, and it’s going to be all worth it!
Moving forward, Maia’s recent wins have been a clear indication of her readiness. In 2023, she earned second place in USAG Level 4 at the Jamaica Gymnastics Classics and then headed to secure first place in USAG Level 5 at the Jamaica Carifta Trials in October. She won first place overall at the Jamaica Gymnastics Classics in December 2023. This event, where she was placed first in bars, second in balance beam, third in vault, and fourth in floor, was a great milestone for her. It only solidified her place among the top young gymnasts in Jamaica; these performances scream—she’s ready!
The opportunity at the Simone Biles Invitational
Maia stops by Smile Jamaica TVJ to share her journey and seek support for her dream. The Simone Biles Invitational is a dream come true for so many. A lifetime of an opportunity for young athletes to gain exposure, mentorship, and experience in gymnastics. For Maia, it’s a chance to test herself against the best in the world and to learn from Simone Biles herself, whose vision for the event is to train young talents. “It’s not just about winning,” says Maia. “It’s about learning and growing, pushing myself to be the best version of me.” Maia will be looking to gain insights from the world’s top coaches and to showcase the hard work she’s put in over the years.
However, for Maia and her family, the path to Houston is not without its challenges. “We need additional support to cover travel costs and competition fees,” says Yolande Hylton. “Sponsorship is crucial for Maia to reach her full potential at this event.” Campbell’s family is hoping to gather support from the vast community to help Maia make this journey, which is far more than just about traveling 1,400 miles—it’s about investing in her future and the future of gymnastics in Jamaica. With the financial burden of travel, accommodation, and other expenses, this challenge gets into the critical role that community support plays, and it’s going to play out very well.
Maia Campbell has gotten so far, and now as she prepares for the Simone Biles Invitational, she needs the power and support of a loving community. Her mother, Yolande Hylton, has been her biggest cheerleader, making sacrifices to ensure that Maia has the best chance to succeed. “My mom encouraged me to keep going, even when I wanted to quit,” says Maia, reflecting on her journey so far. In the upcoming invitational and other developmental opportunities, there’s a call for readers to support Maia. Not just as a gymnast but as a symbol of hope for young athletes everywhere. “By sponsoring Maia,” says Hylton, “you’re not just investing in her—you’re investing in the future of gymnastics in Jamaica and supporting a talented young athlete on her path to greatness.” This is a chance to be part of Maia’s journey, to watch her grow and shine on a global stage, and to help build the legacy of gymnastics in Jamaica.
