What does it take to qualify for the regional gymnastics championship? 

Barrington's Emily Ford and Shaye Robinson know the answer. Emily and Shaye, both sixth-graders at Barrington Middle School, recently finished in first and second place in the all around, respectively, among level eight competition at the state gymnastics championship. 

The top-place finishes earned the two 12-year-olds an invitation to the regional competition in Springfield, Mass. on April 22. (There is no national championship for level eight.)

The girls know that their success in gymnastics can be credited to hard work, dedication and maybe a little bit of slime. Both girls said they like to spend some of their free time making homemade slime concoctions, although the free time is hard to come by these days.

When they're not at school, the two girls can usually be found at their gyms. Emily, who trains at Prestige Fitness and Gymnastics in Swansea, Mass., practices six days a week during the competitive season, and about three hours each day. Shaye, who trains at Aim High Gymnastics in East Greenwich, practices five days a week for about four hours each day.

Shaye Robinson

• Age: 12

• Level: 8

• All around score at states: 36.07

• Years in gymnastics: 10. Shaye started gymnastics in a "mommy and me" program. Her mother, Robin, was an elite level gymnast.

• Coach: Cheri Jackson

• Favorite event: Beam 

• Favorite food: Pasta with red sauce, pancakes with chocolate chips, and chocolate cake (preferably from Gregg's Restaurant).

• Goal: "I want to go to level 9," Shaye said.

Emily Ford

• Age: 12

• Level: 8

• All around score at states: 37.65

• Years in gymnastics: 7. She also started in a "mommy and me" program. 

• Coach: Jen Flaxington

• Favorite event: Bars

• Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese, and mint chip ice cream. 

• Goals: Emily aims to continue her gymnastics career into high school and beyond.