Petra Matthies began gymnastics at the tender age of three. Her talent began to outgrow the various gym programs she was enrolled in and soon her talent took her to Brestyan's in nearby Ashland. There she trains with other talented Level 10 and rising elite gymnasts, including 2005 World Floor Champion Alicia Sacramone. Together they spend nearly 30 hours a week in the gym, working under former Romanian National Team coaches Mihai Brestyan, Nelu Albu, and Rodica Marcov; Silvia Brestyan does all of their choreography as well!

The gym first opened in 2000 but Petra didn't join the team until 2004, after leaving Exxcel Gymnastics in Newton, MA. There she has continued to grow and progress as a gymnast, taking the 2005 Level 9 Eastern and the 2006 J.O. National titles. Now she has moved to the highest level in the sport - the elite level. Facing new challenges such as the new Code of Points and the camps at the Karolyi ranch hasn't seemed to stop Petra either! She has successfully tested elite, verified her routines at the ranch, placed in the top 15 at the U.S. Classic, and won a bronze medal on floor at her very first U.S. Nationals!

Accomplishments:
2003 TOPS Team
2003 Level 7 Massachusetts State Champion
2004 Level 8 Massachusetts State Champion
2005 Level 9 Massachusetts State Champion
2005 Level 9 Region 6 Champion
2005 Level 9 Eastern Champion
2006 Level 10 Massachusetts State Champion
2006 Level 10 Region 6 Champion
2006 Level 10 National Champion
2006 Junior US Nationals - Bronze Medal on Floor