C. J. Maestas Explained

C. J. Maestas
Full Name:Christopher Maestas
Country:United States
Birth Date:26 May 1992
Hometown:Corrales, New Mexico, U.S.
Height:5 ft 4 in
Weight:139 lbs
Discipline:MAG
Natlteam:2011–2017
Gym:USOTC
Collegeteam:Illinois Fighting Illini
Headcoach:Justin Spring
Show-Medals:yes

Christopher "C. J." Maestas (born May 26, 1992) is a retired American artistic gymnast. He was a member of the United States men's national artistic gymnastics team.

Early life and education

Maestas was born on May 26, 1992, to Frank and Cindy Maestas.[1] He attended Cibola High School and later attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to pursue gymnastics as a highly sought after recruit.[1] [2] While originally intending to start in Fall 2010, he needed to retake the ACT multiple times and enrolled in Fall 2011.[1] Prior to admittance to Illinois, Maestas trained at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado.[3]

Gymnastics career

Maestas was a full-scholarship member of the Illinois Fighting Illini men's gymnastics team for collegiate competition.[1] He was the NCAA champion on the rings at the 2012 NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championships. He was also the horizontal bar champion at the 2015 NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championship. While a member of the Fighting Illini, he was a member of the 2012 NCAA team championship.

Domestically, Maestas placed highly in the rings at multiple Winter Cup and USA Gymnastics National Championships events.

Internationally, Maestas represented the United States at the 2011 Pan American Games and won a bronze medal in the team all-around. He was also a member of the 2014 Pan American Gymnastics Championships team that won a gold medal.

Notes and References

  1. News: Huth . Jeff . April 19, 2012 . Maestas: Wait worth it . . . August 16, 2024.
  2. News: Collins . Daniel . March 12, 2015 . Illinois men’s gymnastics Maestas looking for one last hurrah . . August 16, 2024.
  3. News: Hersh . Philip . September 21, 2011 . Olympic stop attainable for Illinois' Maestas . . August 16, 2024.