Sports

Writer finds his balance on a log — one baby step at a time.

Built on Bravery is an Eden Prairie training center with a special focus.

Plymouth is home to some of the youngest talents in freestyle skiing, an extreme sport that resembles gymnastics on skis. Marek Meyer, age 11, and Annika and Torsten Sundquist, both age 10, are nationally ranked freestyle skiiers on the prestigious Team Nybora, an elite group of young athletes who love to hit the slopes with incredible spins, grabs, grinds and flips that make up the sport.

Jacob and Nathan Ritter are a formidable duo. The 18-year-old twins maintain 4.0 GPAs at Wayzata High School, play competitive chess, and are part of a weekend hockey league. Autumn found them narrowing their college choices and contemplating career plans — both are strongly considering becoming teachers.

Their accomplishments are even more impressive considering the additional hurdle they face daily: The Plymouth residents, who share many talents and hobbies, also share a diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD).

As Minnesota gears up to host the 2015 National Senior Games, one Edina woman is ready for action. Susan Adams Loyd competes in track and field, and at age 56 she sees no reason to slow down. “I have always said that athletics, exercise and daily activity are truly the fountain of youth,” Loyd says. Ten years ago, Loyd rediscovered her spark to compete and she encourages others her age to follow suit.