• Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor

Hartselle Enquirer
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Obits
  • Opinion
  • Public Records
  • Madison County Record
  • Madison Living Magazine
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Contact Us
  • Services
  • About Us
  • List of Locations
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a News Tip
  • Submit a Photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Engagement Announcement
  • Wedding Announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letter to the Editor
    Hartselle Enquirer
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
    Jude Wade Fearless In His Quest To Be The Best Gymnast
    Twelve-year old Jude Wade is all smiles as a competitor in national competitions in gymnastics. The sixth-grader at Discovery Middle School is an Alabama State Champion and is among the best in the country. Photo Contributed
    Discovery Middle School, FRONT PAGE FEATURED, Madison, Madison County Record, SCHOOLS -- FEATURE SPOT, Sports, Z - News Main
     By  Bob Labbe Published 
    8:51 am Saturday, August 13, 2022

    Jude Wade Fearless In His Quest To Be The Best Gymnast

    MADISON- For as long as his family can remember Jude Wade has been a natural at gymnastics-type acrobatics. “He has always been a climber and has no fear. He used to climb out of his baby crib and would soon learn to jump off the furniture,” said Kate Wade, Jude’s mother.

    Today, the 12-year old sixth grade student at Discovery Middle School has honed his natural skills to a whole new level as he competes as a Level 8 optional men’s gymnast at Southern States Gymnastics, and has competed on a national level at the recent Eastern Nationals held in Battle Creek, Mich. At the event attended by elite gymnasts from the Eastern half of the United States, Jude placed fifth on the vault, eighth on both rings and floor.

    “Against tough competition I always try and do my best as I can’t do anything about the others within the competition,” said Jude. “I love gymnastics being an individual sport and it’s really about the mindset the sport puts you in as you have to put any mistakes you make behind you. For me, I do that, and I keep going to do my best.”

    One of three children to GerDono and Kate Wade, Jude, who was so named after the 1968 mega-hit “Hey Jude” by The Beatles, has participated in recreational hockey, flag football and soccer, and will play basketball this fall. He turned to gymnastics in 2017 while in the first grade where he was seen to pick up the necessary skills rather quickly. Many of his natural talents stem from having a trampoline in the backyard and he was known to frolic in the backyard and on trips to the beach turning flips as easy as many others can walk. Each year he has progressed in levels of talent to where he is today.

    In just his second year of gymnastics, he was elevated to Level 5 where he won both the AA Alabama State and Region 8 Championships. Jude moved to Level 6 in 2019-2020 where he won the Alabama State title and, in the very next season he moved to Level 7 where he won the AA Alabama State Championship for the third consecutive year.

    This past season at Level 8, Jude finished runner-up at the Alabama Championship, fourth in his age group at Region 8 and 11th from all ages at Region followed by his 13th place finish at the Eastern Nationals. For his overall work and performances at the state level, he was named Alabama Men’s USA Gymnastics Athlete of the Year. His efforts to continue to excel through the months of the recent COVID shutout enhances the honor bestowed upon him as he never stopped training through efforts at home.

    “His grandfather made him a pommel horse, a tumble track went in the hallway of our home and a mini-set of parallel bars was set up in our living room,” said Kate, who was a longtime swim coach and is currently assistant principal at Discovery Middle School. “We enjoy learning about the sport and have signed up Jude and his sister for recreational gymnastics so they could have an activity to do at the same time after school.”

    “I feel I’m fearless when it comes to sports and I really don’t mind trying new things,” said Jude, an A-B student. He described what he goes through on the three of his best events. “On the rings after I’m lifted to the two rings, I put myself in a positive mindset and take a deep breath and go for it. On the vault, I visualize my approach as I need power that allows me more time in the air to flip and hit the landing. As for the floor exercise, I love the running fast and that feeling of the air around me. I also concentrate from the fact of when I make a mistake, I know I have to get through it and do my best.”

    In June of last year, the Wade family made its way north on Interstate 55 and made a stop in St. Louis for the USA Men’s Gymnastics Olympic Trials, which featured Yul Moldaur from Oklahoma, who made the USA Men’s Gymnastics Team, which competed in Tokyo. After the event, the new Olympian met with his adoring fans with Jude being among them. Today, meeting Moldaur has been one of Jude’s favorite experiences since taking up the sport.

    “I met my role model and I want to be like him as he’s always upbeat and always smiling,” said Jude. “I want to attend the University of Oklahoma and participate in gymnastics.”

    The just completed summer months featured Jude spending at least three hours a day at the gym where he split his workout time with both the girls and boys programs. His morning sessions with the girls were under the watchful eyes of Southern States’ head coach and owner Debbie Santos while the evening sessions were strictly for boys with three coaches handling the training sessions. Jude’s exceptional natural skills and his uncanny ability to learn quickly have put him among the elite in the United States. He has what’s described as clean lines in his moves, colorful personality and serious about his effort, but at the completion of any of his hard work in the gym he always breaks a smile and is friendly to everyone around him.

    His devotion to his favorite sport is one of amazement as at one time during the COVID time at home he could easily be seen practicing on rings that were secured to a doorway in his home. His commitment to others includes being what Kate called “A mega-cheerleader for others at the gym and at school.” Jude has spent numerous hours of his limited free time where he has volunteered to help special need students. With his bright smile, positive attitude and sparkly personality, Jude is a natural at helping others.

    His competitive spirit is enormous, considering he stands just 4-feet-7-inches tall and weighs in at a mere 77-pounds, keeps him giving his best each time he’s in a competition or at practice as he knows his hard work is essential to his success in the sport that for many is nothing more than an event seen on television during the coverage of the Olympics. He deals with occasional flareups of Sever’s Disease, a painful condition associated with growth spurts for children ages 8-14. The pain mostly occurs in his heals, but no one would ever know by the smile he always carries on his face.

    “There is a community awareness for boys gymnastics and we’re very thankful and fortunate to have in the area a place like Southern States Gymnastics,” added Kate. “He lives and breathes gymnastics. His best friends are in gymnastics.”

    The newest season of gymnastics will begin in November and last until next May. Jude will be there giving his best effort in every aspect of the sport with his eyes set on performing well and one day making that trip to Oklahoma to attend school and have a spot on the men’s gymnastics team, plus have a shot at being an Olympian.

    “I want to make the Olympic team and make boys gymnastics more popular,” said Jude, who began his trek into gymnastics from climbing, to cartwheels and backhand flips, which led full twists and landings that are among the best in the United States.

    Also on The Madison Record
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – When Chelsea Young moved to Madison in 2016, Madison City Schools held “a reputation for academic excellence and for one of the best distric...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – Annabel Richter’s work can confirm that a student has a solid path to a well-rounded education. Columbia Elementary School’s faculty and sta...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Summer camp
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON - A local church’s special event connected on a personal level with 130-plus children who celebrated faith and friendship. Starting summer in ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Living, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Downtown event to premiere in July for young entrepreneurs
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – A special event for young, aspiring entrepreneurs and vendors will debut with Little Booths Market Day on July 12. Little Booths Market Day ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    Living, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    HUNTSVILLE - Top of Alabama Regional Council of Government or TARCOG wants your input. Affiliated with TARCOG, the Area Agency on Aging is conducting ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Heart of the Valley YMCA hires Rob Gray as president
    Living, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    Heart of the Valley YMCA hires Rob Gray as president
    gregg@themadisonrecord.com 
    June 25, 2025
    By GREGG PARKER MADISON COUNTY -- Heart of the Valley YMCA has appointed a new president to lead the organization. Rob Gray has accepted the position ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Madison County Record, News, Sports, ...
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Bob Labbe 
    June 18, 2025
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    A: Main, Bob Jones High School, Madison, ...
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    Gregg Parker 
    June 18, 2025
    MADISON – With their continuous honors, Madison City Schools students have proven their mastery of the ‘three Rs – Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic.’ H...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Get Legals or Public Notices Published
    Latest Local News
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    MADISON – When Chelsea Young moved to Madison in 2016, Madison City Schools held “a reputation for academic excellence and for one of the best distric...
    June 25, 2025
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    MADISON – Annabel Richter’s work can confirm that a student has a solid path to a well-rounded education. Columbia Elementary School’s faculty and sta...
    June 25, 2025
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    MADISON - A local church’s special event connected on a personal level with 130-plus children who celebrated faith and friendship. Starting summer in ...
    June 25, 2025
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    MADISON – A special event for young, aspiring entrepreneurs and vendors will debut with Little Booths Market Day on July 12. Little Booths Market Day ...
    June 25, 2025
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    HUNTSVILLE - Top of Alabama Regional Council of Government or TARCOG wants your input. Affiliated with TARCOG, the Area Agency on Aging is conducting ...
    June 25, 2025

    More Local News

    Our Latest E-edition
    Read the most recent edition
    Latest Stories
    MVP urges everyone to turn out for ‘Big Weekend of Service’
    MVP urges everyone to turn out for ‘Big Weekend of Service’
    MADISON – Madison Visionary Partners or MVP invites all ages, backgrounds and aptitudes to join hometown volunteer forces during the Big Weekend of Se...
    June 18, 2025
    For 6th year, Matt Curtis Real Estate named no. 1 in state
    For 6th year, Matt Curtis Real Estate named no. 1 in state
    HUNTSVILLE - For the sixth consecutive year, Matt Curtis Real Estate has been ranked as the no. 1 real estate team in Alabama. In addition, this team ...
    June 18, 2025
    Bob Jones student wins in NYC challenge for musical theatre
    Bob Jones student wins in NYC challenge for musical theatre
    MADISON – For his talent in composition, Karsten Wallace of Madison is a winner in the 2024-2025 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School...
    June 18, 2025
    Liberty student among finalists in National Science Bee
    Liberty student among finalists in National Science Bee
    MADISON – His solid, technical background earned Ryan Ranjan a top place in the 2025 National Science Bee, organized by International Academic Competi...
    June 18, 2025
    Local teen sets Guinness World Record for Girl Scouts Silver Award
    Local teen sets Guinness World Record for Girl Scouts Silver Award
    MADISON - Madeline Harper was so determined to achieve the Silver Award in Girl Scouts that she decided to set a world record to reach it. Madeline is...
    June 11, 2025
    poll
    Latest Sports
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    June 18, 2025
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    MADISON - Since birth, Mitch Daly has always been on the move as his father, Ed, is a four-star general in the U.S. Army causing him to pack up his wi...
    May 26, 2025
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    HUNTSVILLE - The Cotton Row Run is a community event. The annual Memorial Day extravaganza, held in downtown Huntsville, again this year will attract ...
    May 20, 2025
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    HUNTSVILLE – Madison Academy entered the state soccer tournament scoreless in three previous games at John Hunt Park, including against Donoho last se...
    May 9, 2025
    Have bat, will travel: Bob Jones seeks offense on road in semifinals
    Have bat, will travel: Bob Jones seeks offense on road in semifinals
    MADISON – Bob Jones has left little margin for error as it seeks to repeat as Class 7A state baseball champions. The Patriots, however, have done just...
    May 7, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Business
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Business
      • Sponsored Content

    Other Publications

    Madison Living Logo Living 50 Plus Logo

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , The Madison Record