Beginning at the tender age of four, gymnastics has become second nature to one Shelbyville girl. And she has a tall trophy to prove it.

Jade Gee, daughter of James and Dawn Gee of Shelbyville, won state championship in the 11-year-old Novice Division in the Southern State Finals Gymnastics competition held in Effingham April 19-20.

Jade placed first in Power Tumbling for the 11-year-old group, competing against 14 other gymnasts. She also placed in trampoline and double mini. She is a member of Kris’s Power Tumbling Dance and Cheer Center.

Jade has competed in regional and state competitions over the past six years and placed second in Nationals two years ago, according to her mother Dawn. This will be Jade’s fifth time attending Nationals.

“She absolutely loves it,” Dawn said.

“I like tumbling and knowing I did my best,” Jade said. “I get nervous but one I do the first pass it gets better.”

Jade got into gymnastics at the gentle persuasion of her mother.

“She wanted me to do some type of sports so I chose tumbling,” Jade said.

Jade will advance to Nationals in Cincinnati, OH, June 17-21 in all three events.