I studied the sport of gymnastics as a little girl, hoping one day to actually take classes. I would watch You Tube videos and stare at library book pictures; admiring the beauty of this sport. FINALLY, my parents signed me up, at the age of 10, for my very first recreation class! That was in February 2015. Since then, I have worked really hard to learn as much as I can in a short amount of time! I still study the sport and make goals for myself every season. It seems like yesterday, when I started learning basics on the equipment.
My first season to compete was in 2016 at Level 7. I was able to test out of Levels 2-6 in about 9 months!! My parents and I didn't really understand what that meant as it was happening, though. I just loved learning new skills and my coaches thought I was doing them technically correct. It didn't seem "special" at the time; it just felt "right."
In my level 7 season, it started fantastic! In two meets, I won floor and beam and earned 2nd All Around. Sadly, one day in practice, I fell and broke my elbow. I had to have major elbow surgery and 4 months of rehab. It was so frustrating! As soon as my season started, it was over. But, I fought hard and worked hard to keep a positive attitude, focusing on my future goals. Soon, I was training for Level 8 and moved to Sarasota, FL with my Coach. It was a really big decision and an exciting commitment for my whole family. All of my rehab, and hard work paid off in my Level 8 season in 2017!! It was the first FULL season I had ever competed!! I earned State Champion for Floor and Beam! At Regionals, I won the Floor and All Around Gold!! Last season, in 2018, Level 9 was incredible!! I continued to train hard and learn a lot of new skills. Competing these new skills was definitely challenging, but I embraced the challenge. All season, I was in the top 5 on every event. I won GOLD at every meet but one on floor and beam! I also won All Around at every meet with a high score of the season of 38.500!!
I am the Florida State Champion for Bars, Beam, Floor and ALL Around!! I am the Florida Regional Champion for Beam, Floor and All Around!! Easterns was an amazing experience and I felt so thankful to qualify and compete there. I had a great meet, earning a Silver medal on Floor and 5th All Around. I am currently training Level 10 and hope to qualify as a Junior Elite this 2019 season. Gymnastics continues to feed a deep hunger inside of my heart. That little girl, who just started not too long ago, is still hungry for more!!
