In just eight days, thirteen-year-old Sydney Johnson-Scharpf will march into her first P&G Championships. Daughter of 1988 Olympian Brandy Johnson-Scharpf, Sydney by no means enters the competition as a newbie to the gymnastics scene, but as a first year elite she does step into a whole new ballgame. 

Sydney entered the elite ranks following a solid performance at the 2013 Nastia Liukin Cup where she finished second on the balance beam, and continued to climb in the elite field ever since competing at the 2013 Secret US Classic at the end of July and advancing onto the P&G Championships from there. For Sydney, the transition to elite comes without great pressure as turning elite was the goal in itself. "I actually didn't know I was going to go elite until Nastia Cup," Sydney admits, "Before then I just thought I was going to stay level 10." As the only gymnast representing Brandy Johnson's Global Gymnastics this summer, Sydney says she draws on her teammates a lot for encouragement and inspiration. "They've been really supportive," Sydney says citing her teammates as giving her good advice throughout the elite process.

Sydney also credits her mom, the illustrious Brandy Johnson, as a main source of support throughout her gymnastics journey. Brandy Johnson is well-known throughout the gymnastics community for competing in the 1988 Olympic Games where she finished fifth All Around, the highest of any American gymnast at those Games. Brandy Johnson also swept the All Around Title at the 1989 National Championships and earned a silver medal at the 1989 World Championships on vault. Recognized for powerful tumbling and an expressive floor routine, it is clear that Brandy and her daughter Sydney share similar strengths as well as genes as Sydney too steals the show on the floor exercise. "I just love to perform, and I love to dance, so I incorporate that in my routine," Sydney told Gymnastike after competing at the 2013 Secret US Classic, "And I just love floor!" Sydney's enjoyment is obvious to both judges and fans alike, and a true highlight during even the highest levels of competitions.

For Sydney, her mom acts not only as support system and caregiver, but coach as well. Sydney trains under her mom and coach Kelly Pitzen at Brandy Johnson's Global Gymnastics. Wearing many hats works well for this mother/daughter duo though as Sydney continues gaining success and momentum each season. Sydney will be age elidgible for the 2016 Olympic Games, and confirmed that this sits in the back of her mind throughout training. Her goals for Championships, though? "I just want to do my best." Sydney says, not getting too ahead of herself in what is only the start of the newest Olympic cycle. 

Watch Sydney's 2013 Secret Classic floor routine:

And so, while some gymnasts find the transition to elite intimidating, Sydney continues to handle the pressure in stride. Even stepping onto the Karolyi Camp for the first time to train in the same gymnasium as a history of Olympians could not phase her, in fact she was elated. "It's very exciting! You know that you made it there, and you can become something great." So, with much enthusiasm we wait for Sydney Johnson-Scharpf to take on her first US Championships August 15-18 in Hartford, CT, and build to become something great.