A contest with Sports Illustrated has become a family feud for sisters competing to be named the 2025 Youth Athlete of the Year.
Young athletes Charlotte and Sierra Fulkerson-Ripley are vying for the contest title that comes with it $25,000, and an ad with NFL quarterback Russell Wison's company 3BRAND in Sports Illustrated Magazine.
The sisters, members of Splatsin who live and train in 琉璃神社, shine in dance and gymnastics, which is earning them distinction in the competition.
At just nine-years old, Charlotte has been dancing for almost eights years, and is currently a competitive acro gymnast who has been training for seven years. Sierra, 12, has danced for six years and been in acro gymnastics for almost nine years. Their artistic talents put them on-screen.
Mom Alyssa Fulkerson said both girls hope to "showcase their athletic abilities on camera," adding that Charlotte is currently filming the short film Wilted Flowers that showcases medically induced mental health issues.
"Charlotte loves staying active, making new friends and enjoying new experiences as part of a team," Fulkerson said about what she likes most about gymnastics. "Travelling for competitions always excites her and she is looking forward to advancing her skills enough to land acting roles on the big screen where she can showcase her athletic skills and being an inspiration for other aspiring female athletes."
Sierra, too, likes to challenge herself and "push herself to new limits" to learn new skills and advance, which helped her reach the podium at her first national competition.
"She worked so hard to get on the squad, to condition herself and train hard enough for national and international competitions," Fulkerson said. "And all her focus, dedication and perseverance paid off when she heard that her and her partner podium placed at their first national competition."
Votes can be cast online daily for and through athleteoftheyear.org, with the girls currently 6th and 5th respectively in their groups.
