The Winter Olympics is in full swing, providing fans the opportunity to learn again the intricacies of sports such as curling and cross country skiing. For those who prefer the sports of the Summer Olympics, however, Litchfield hosts the Section 6A gymnastics meet on Saturday, providing fans the opportunity to see many talented gymnasts in person.

Litchfield and nine other area teams will compete for the chance to perform at the state tournament at the University of Minnesota Feb. 23 and 24.

“Just being able to do (the meet) at home just makes it much more special,” sophomore Megan Nelson said. “It’s just going to be really fun.”

Four of the teams in attendance are ranked in state, including No. 2 Willmar and No. 12 Melrose, who placed sixth at state last year.

No. 17 New London-Spicer and No. 25 Benson-KMS-Montevideo will also be in competition on Saturday. Annandale, Dassel-Cokato, Howard Lake-Waver-Winsted/Holy Trinity, Maple Lake and Paynesville/Eden Valley-Watkins round out the teams in attendance.

Host Litchfield has been bit by the injury bug this season, including captain Kylee Jones suffering a torn ACL and seventh-grade standout Olivia Holmgren dealing with a stress fracture in her leg. Such injuries may lead to a lower team score than previously anticipated, according to head coach Sara Holmgren.

“I think it’d be great to break that 130. I know earlier in the season the goal was maybe a bit higher, but without Kylee and Olivia it makes things a bit harder,” Holmgren said. “The week before sections, (we) really try to clean routines and try to improve their individual scores. So it’ll be fun to see some of them be able to do that.”

Nelson, the team’s all-around gymnast, echoed her coach’s goal for the weekend’s meet.

“For the team … hopefully break another 130,” she said. “For me, I just want to do the best that I can. Just stay on the beam or hit my routines.”

Litchfield posted a 130.5 in its most recent meet, a home contest with New London-Spicer on Thursday, giving some momentum to the Dragons heading into sections.

In addition to the top team advancing to the state tournament, individuals can advance as well. The top three all-arounders in an event advance individually, and then the top three remaining gymnasts earn a spot as well.

With prestigious programs at the section meet, it won’t be easy for a Litch gymnast to grab one of those coveted spots.

“We have a tough section … It’s going to be hard. It’s not impossible, but it’ll be really hard,” Holmgren said. “I think their goal is to place in the top 10 in sections, which I think is a realistic goal for some of them.”

From the beginning of the season, Litchfield has topped many of its marks from last season. Regardless of how the section meet goes for her team, Holmgren is pleased with what she’s seen from her athletes this year.

“Everybody’s been willing to step up and have done a nice job,” she said. “It’s a great group of girls that get along and they push each other very hard, and they encourage each other. So that’s really been my highlight of the season. I haven’t had a group like this for a long time.”