Kellen Tichenor’s story is a full-circle

Kellen Tichenor’s story is a full-circle gymnastics journey—from a determined 7‑year‑old athlete to an elite‑level competitor and now co‑owner of MGA Gymnastics Apopka in Florida.​

Early Years and Love for GymnasticsKellen began gymnastics at age 7, stepping into the gym as a young boy with big dreams and a natural love for movement.​

He trained under his father, coach Brian Shrewsbury, who would guide him for the next 17 years from beginner levels all the way to elite gymnastics.​

As he grew, gymnastics quickly became more than an after‑school activity; it was a family mission and a way of life.​

Traveling frequently for competitions, Kellen and his family especially loved meets in Florida, a state that would later become central to his future.​

Rise to Elite Level and USA QualifierOver nearly two decades as a competitive athlete, Kellen advanced to Elite level men’s gymnastics and built a reputation as a powerful, hard‑working all‑around gymnast.​

He collected multiple state, regional, and national titles along the way, showing the consistency and perseverance needed at the highest levels of the sport.​

At the peak of his competitive career, Kellen qualified for the prestigious US National Qualifier held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, a major milestone for any American gymnast.​

Although injuries just before and after that qualifier ultimately kept him from pursuing international competition, the experience cemented his identity as an elite gymnast and future leader in the sport.​

18 Years with MGA GymnasticsKellen’s competitive path ran hand‑in‑hand with MGA Gymnastics, the Shrewsbury and Tichenor family’s Christian, family‑owned program that has been serving communities for over 60 years.​

As Brian coached Kellen up through the levels, he also trained him as a coach—teaching him drills, spotting techniques, and how to work with athletes from preschool through advanced competitive levels.​

Over the years, Kellen transitioned from athlete to coach, accumulating more than 20 years of coaching experience across men’s and women’s gymnastics.​

He helped grow MGA’s programs in both Maryland and Florida, blending high‑level technical training with the positive, faith‑based culture that defines the MGA story.​

Ownership and MGA Gymnastics ApopkaKellen is now co‑owner of MGA Gymnastics, Cheer, Tumbling, and Ninja, and serves as manager of MGA Gymnastics Apopka, Florida.​

From Apopka, he oversees recreational and competitive programs for boys and girls, passing on the same strength, discipline, and joy he experienced as a young gymnast.​

Alongside his wife Jasmine—also a co‑owner and manager—Kellen continues the MGA legacy while raising their family in Florida and investing in the local community.​
​
His journey from 7‑year‑old gymnast to elite athlete, US National Qualifier, and now gym owner shows kids and parents that gymnastics is more than medals; it’s a lifelong foundation for character, faith, and leadership