Ishino Takes Step Forward

Allyse Ishino of Santa Ana has the talent to make an impact on the international gymnastics scene, but she hasn’t had her big breakthrough.

“Sometimes she didn’t show so much confidence,” said Martha Karolyi, program coordinator for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. “Right now, she’s ready.”

Karolyi was sure enough of that to choose Ishino, 16, to compete at the Pacific Alliance Championships this week in Honolulu. The event will be her highest level of competition as she pursues a spot on the U.S. team for the Athens Olympics.

Also chosen were Carly Patterson, all-around silver medalist at last year’s world championships and all-around champion at this year’s American Cup; Katie Heenan, a bronze medalist in the team and uneven bars events at the 2001 world championships; and rising star Alicia Sacramone of Winchester, Mass.

“I’m excited to be chosen,” Ishino said Saturday. “I agree with Martha that my lack of confidence was holding me back, but it’s gotten a little better the past few months.”

Ishino, who trains at Charter Oak Gymnastics in Covina, finished first on the uneven bars and second in floor exercise at a recent World Cup event in Brazil. She was among more than 40 gymnasts who participated in a training camp at the Karolyi ranch in Texas last week.

“We feel these are the girls who showed the most consistency and are able to do their routines exactly as they’re supposed to do,” Karolyi said.

The men’s team will be world all-around champion Paul Hamm, world team silver medalists Jason Gatson of Upland and Morgan Hamm, and 2000 Olympian Steve McCain.