Thousands of girls across America begin gymnastics lessons in pre-school. As time progresses and the distractions of social life manifest, the talent pool eventually dissipates, leaving only the strongest, toughest and most dedicated athletes. From this crop, a select group is capable of testing into international elite, which is the Olympic level in the sport.

Allyse was born in Santa Ana, CA to Glenn and Arlene Ishino on February 19, 1988. She began the gymnastics at age 3. She, like so many accomplished gymnasts, followed in the footsteps of an older sibling. Genine, who would later compete for UC Berkeley, was Allyse's ticket into the sport. Allyse also has two brothers, former gymnast Gian ('85) and current Class III gymnast Glen ('90).

She is coached by Beth and Steve Rybacki at Charter Oak Gliders, a gym renowned for producing such stars as Vanessa Atler and Jamie Dantzscher. While the Magnificent Seven was winning gold in Atlanta, Allyse was only 8 years of age. Now, 8 years later, Allyse has earned a spot on the team as one of three alternates. Her "claim to fame" remains her surprising victory at the Pacific Alliance Championships in Honolulu, HA earlier this year. Coach Steve wasn't surprised, though, saying, "Allyse has always been great in practice. Now it's just starting to come through in competition." She proved that later in the year, hitting all of her routines at Nationals, Trials and the Selection Camp.

As for the future, Allyse hopes to compete for Stanford University and she would like to become an Orthopedic doctor. Right now, though, she remains a dedicated elite gymnast, one of the few survivors that began the sport so many years ago.

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June 18: Allyse had a successful run at the recent Olympic Selection Camp. In fact, she continued her near-flawless record which began at the Pacific Alliance by hitting all routines, which garnered scores of 9.375 on vault, 9.35 on bars, 9.40 on beam and 9.425 on floor. It was decided that Allyse would be one of three alternates (Chellsie Memmel and Tasha Schwikert are the other two) that will travel to Athens and step in if need be.

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Age: 16 Birthdate: February 19, 1988 Birthplace: Santa Ana, CA School: Foothill Highschool Grade: 11th Began gymnastics: 1991 Gym: Charter Oak Gliders Teammates: Tabitha Yim, Ashley Jenkins Coaches: Steve and Beth Rybacki Floor music: "Gypsy Rhapsody" by Bond Years on National Team: 3 (2002-2004) Goal: 2004 Olympics

Coming Soon.

Want to send Allyse fanmail? You can send it to the following address. Please included a S.A.S.E. (self-addressed stamped envelope) to:

Allyse Ishino
c/o Charter Oak Gymnastics
841 North Dodsworth
Covina, CA 91724

Coming soon.