TBA
TBA
Q: Do you have a nickname?
“Stef.”
Q: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
“I started in gymnastics in August of 2000 when I was 4. My parents put me in gymnastics because I had too much energy.”
Q: Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
“I remember climbing to the top of the rope and falling because I did not know how to come down.”
Q: When did you decide you wanted to compete?
“I watched the older girls competing. And then, when I finally got my kip, I got to start competing as a Level 5. Our gym did not do lower levels.”
And, when did you want to compete on the elite level? What about competition appeals to you?
“My coach just decided that I was going to try elite levels, and so I did. I like the rush I get from competing and doing well.”
Q: What is your training regimen? Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics?
“I train 19 hours a week now, but it used to be 32 hours when I was training elite. It was not a switch when I started competing because pre-team worked out with the team.”
Q: What is your favorite event?
“Floor.”
Q: What is your favorite skill?
“Double layout off bars.”
Q: What music do you use for your floor routine?
“My music is called ‘Rolex.'”
Q: Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
“My idols are the girls on the [University of] Oklahoma Gymnastics Team.”
Q: How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally?
“I feel mentally stronger and more confidence because of the experiences I have had competing.”
Q: How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
“It has given me opportunities that I would not have had if I was not in gymnastics.”
Q: If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
“Life goes on.”
Q: What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
“Committing to the University of Oklahoma and competing in the Visa Championships.”
Q: Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics?
“Yes. I signed with the University of Oklahoma.”
Q: What are your favorite subjects in school?
“Exercise Physiology.”
Q: If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there?
“Nursing.”
Q: What are your goals for the future?
“I want to contribute to the team at Oklahoma and go on to have a successful career.”
Q: When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time? Do you have any hobbies or favorite activities? Charities?
“I like spending time with my friends and family, and going shopping. I also take part in Feed my Starving Children.”
Q: What is your favorite food?
“Chicken Alfredo.”
Q: What is your favorite movie?
“The Proposal.”
Q: What is your favorite book?
“The Fault in our Stars.”
Q: Who is your favorite music group/artist?
“Justin Timberlake, One Direction, Beyonce, SoMo, and the band Perry.”
Q: Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports?
“My sister, Tara, is a Level 10 gymnast, also.”
Q: Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms?
“I always eat eggs the morning of a competition. Also, I have a keychain with charms on my competition backpack that one of my coaches made for me years ago.”
Q: What’s on your IPod right now? What type of music do you enjoy listening to? How about before a meet when you’re trying to get focused and pumped up?
“‘U and Me’ by Dan and Shay is on my iPhone right now. I enjoy listening to pop and country.”
Q: If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
“Focused, determined, excited.”
Q: What 3 words describe you as a person, not the gymnast?
“Quiet, athletic, loving.”
By Kate Guerra
Stefani Catour loves to meet new people. She was homeschooled all of her life until this year when she began high school, and is having a blast in her new setting. She’ll be meeting a lot more in March, when she participates in the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup.
Catour is a determined 14-year-old gymnast at Desert Lights Gymnastics in Chandler, Ariz. She began gymnastics at four years old, and has been with coach Lisa Spini for about six years. She qualified for the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup at the WOGA Classic in Frisco, Tex., where she placed first in the all-around competition and first in vault and floor exercise. She also won the uneven bars and balance beam at the 2011 Charter Oaks Elite Qualifier, as well as finished second in the all-around.
Her favorite event is floor because she likes to tumble and dance. She performs a full-in and also a one-and-a-half step out two-and-a half. Her goals in gymnastics are to make the U.S. National Team, participate in the Olympics and compete in college gymnastics.
Catour is looking forward to competing with all of the great gymnasts who will be competing at the Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup. Her greatest strength is her determination, but she has to keep herself from getting too overwhelmed by the older gymnasts against whom she competes.
In her free time, she likes to go shopping with her gym friends at Aeropostale and Forever 21. Her sister, Tara, is a Level 10 gymnast.