Three girls from the Hawaiian Island Twisters Gymnastics Team have qualified for a national testing competition.

The gymnasts are Cierra Lauro, a fifth-grader at Le Jardin Academy; Kiana Palin, a fifth-grader at Salt Lake Elementary; and Lauren Lauro, a third-grader at Le Jardin. It will be the third time qualifying for nationals for Cierra Lauro and the second time for Palin.

All three qualified based on results from different qualifiers and were notified of their selections at the end of August.

The three will compete in the Talent Opportunity Program, Oct. 5 to 7 in Houston. The top 20 gymnasts in each age level (ages 9, 10 and 11) in Houston will then qualify to attend a training camp in December at Karolyi's Gymnastics, the home base of famed coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi.

Four other girls from the Ho-nolulu-based club earned Diamond Level achievements at regional qualifying, which is the highest award for competitors ages 7 and 8.

Kylie Northrop, a home-schooled 8-year-old from Kailua; Moira Lyons, a third-grader at Mookulele Elementary; Madison Benzor, a second-grader at Red Hill Elementary; and Nicole Lauro, a first-grader at Le Jardin, all earned Diamond Level awards.

Other honorees at the regional competition were: Ashli Ahlf, Caitlyn Alejo and Sarah Barron (gold level); Celestine Choi, Amanda LaPenes and Tawny Motoyama (silver level); and Mariah Tanner (bronze level).

SPALDING, GLEASON SWIM KAIWI CHANNEL

Mike Spalding and Kelly Gleason swam the Kaiwi Channel, from Moloka'i to O'ahu on Sunday, completing the 26-mile journey in 15 hours, 15 minutes.

Spalding, 60, and Gleason, 31, were escorted by Jim Dixon and had kayak support. The swimmers stopped every hour to eat and drink. A pole was used to pass the food and drink, as the swimmers are not allowed any flotation help for the crossing to be counted officially.

Spalding has completed swims across the 'Au'au, Pai'lolo, 'Alalakeiki, Kaulakahi, Kealaikahiki and Kalohi channels. Gleason has also swam the Kalohi Channel.