Alec Yoder, grandson of Alan and Diann Yoder of Bluffton, and son of Mike and Rebecca Yoder of Indianapolis, Ind., continues to excel on the national stage in the sport of men’s gymnastics.

In May, Yoder, a sophomore at Northpoint Home School, competed in the U.S. Men’s Junior Elite National Championships in Portland, Ore., as a Level 10 elite gymnast.

He finished tied for 18th All Around after two days of competition and tied for third nationally in the pommel horse event. He was also named a First Team Academic All-American for his efforts in the classroom, where he maintained a 3.92 grade point average.

The 18th All Around finish in May qualified him as one of 24 athletes his age invited to compete in the P&G USA Championships Aug. 15-18 in Hartford, Conn.

This event, held annually since 1963, is considered the official national championships for American gymnasts. After two days of competition, Yoder surpassed his prior rankings and won the national championship in pommel horse in the junior men’s 15-16 age group.

Yoder was also 6th in the nation in the All-Around with a score of 162.60 and narrowly missed making the U.S. National Team by one place and by .55.

His parents, siblings and grandparents were able to be in Hartford to witness his success.

Yoder trains at the InterActive Academy, Zionsville, Ind., under the coaching of Junior National team coach, Gene Watson.