Ashlynn Courdin, 14, will represent Colorado in the 2009 U.S. National Baton Twirling Championships on July 17 and 18 in Tucson, Arizona. Nearly 600 athletes from 21 states will compete in the championships, which are sponsored by the U.S. Twirling Association.

Courdin will compete in individual events including Solo - a fast-paced event where the baton is rolled, flipped and tossed around the body and through the air - as well as Two Baton and Dance Twirl, where twirling is combined with dance and gymnastics. Courdin will also compete in the Dance Twirl Team competition, doing a spicy salsa number with the state champion dance twirl team 'Colorado Twirls.'

Courdin's twirling coach, Anna Osborn, said Courdin is a talented twirler who is dedicated to doing her very best.

"Ashlynn has worked hard all year, learning new tricks and perfecting her competitive routines. She's given up a lot of her free time this summer for lessons and extra practices," said Osborn. "Now she's ready and I know she'll do a great job at nationals."

Courdin is a freshman at Green Mountain High School, where she is a member of the GMHS Marching Band Color Guard. When she's not twirling, she enjoys dance and babysitting. She is the daughter of Steph and Stacey Courdin.

For more information about the sport of baton twirling, visit www.coloradotwirls.com.