Local Gymnast Vashynae Baucham wins 2026 National Championship

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Seven years ago we did a story on a local tumbler that won a National Championship at the age of 9. That little girl has now grown up into one of the best young gymnasts in the country.

Vashynae Baucham, at the age of 16 now, won a 2026 National Championship this year out in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“Honestly, it’s kind of weird, I wasn’t expecting to win, I’m not gonna lie,” said Baucham. “It feels weird, but it feels good in a way, it’s different and it feels good.”

Vashynae has had the support of her family throughout the entire process and that has helped her on the journey towards becoming the best athlete she can be.

“To see Vashynae just starting from a young age to now 16, her just practicing, we’ve had plenty of nights where she’s cried and all the above,” said Vashynae’s mom Canita Brooks. “So to just watch her grow and continue to achieve, it’s awesome, I’m proud to be her mom.”

Vashynae will now look to continue to try to compete for more National Championships, and hopes to one day compete in the USA Gymnastics & Tumbling Elite Program.