Local gymnast earns world championship

HARDYSTON — Samantha Locker Lopes of Hardyston, after being successful in the New Jersey state and regional competitions, travelled to Orlando, Fla., to participate in the USAIGC/IAIGC World Gymnastics championship held from June 26-July 3.

Lopes competed against a field of 36 girls in the silver 14-year-old division with an all-around score of 37.30, She became the world champion in her division and age group. She followed that up with a world championship gold medal in the uneven bars and floor routine. She, also, earned a silver medal in the vault. Lopes trains at the US Gymnastics Development Center in Mahwah.