Feb. 25, 2024 - 12:00 p.m. ET
Kentucky International Convention Center - Louisville, Ky.

Emma McLean

2015

Emma McLean

Hometown:
Clarkston, Michigan

Age:
18

Gym:
Stars and Stripes Gymnastics
Clarkston, Michigan

Qualifying Meet:
IGI Chicago Style Meet

            Bio

1. Name, Age, Hometown
Emma Mclean, 18, Clarkston, MI

2. Do you have a nickname?
“Em”

3. When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
When I was about 2 years old, I went to “Mommy and Me” classes, and then, it just went from there.

4. Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
I had a hard time with squat on bars in the beginning, which turned out to be one of the easiest skills – so that was funny.

5. When did you decide you wanted to compete? And, when did you want to compete on the elite level? What about competition appeals to you?
About 10 years ago, I decided to compete. Not yet on the elite level, though. The thing I love most about competition is going out and having fun and showing off all your hard work.

6. What is your training regimen? Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics?
I train 22 hours a week. M-F 3:30-8 p.m., except for Wednesdays, we are off. We train from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

7. What is your favorite event?
Floor

8. What is your favorite skill?
Blind Full on Bars

9. What music do you use for your floor routine?
Pretty upbeat and fun music that allows me to show off my smile and personality.

10. Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
Sarah Curtis – she was also a Michigan gymnast.

11. How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally?
With my skills, I have become more in the moment and I get after it more. Mentally, I believe more in myself. I’m more of leader.

12. How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
It has helped me become a better leader.

13. If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
If you have a dream and you work really hard it, you can make it a reality.

14. What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
Committing to University of Michigan and making it J.O. Nationals last year. Also, qualifying for the Nastia Liukin Cup this year.

15. What grade are you in school, and where do you go to school?
Senior at Notre Dame Prep.

16. What are your favorite subjects, etc.?
Anatomy

17. If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there?
I want to go into the pre-med program. I have already applied to the school of kinesiology.

18. What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing?
As an athlete, I was to finish the season strong and be successful in college. After gymnastics, I want to become a doctor and have a big family.

19. When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time? Do you have any hobbies or favorite activities? Charities?
Hang out with my family and friends. In the summer we go up north and I do a lot of wakeboarding.

20. What is your favorite food?
Avocadoes and brussel sprouts

21. What is your favorite movie?
Not a huge movie fan, kind of watch whatever.

22. What is your favorite book?
The Fault in Our Stars

23. What is your favorite music group?
Ed Sheeran, and I listened to a lot of Guns and Roses with my dad.

24. Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports?
My oldest brother wakeboards, my younger brother does basketball, football and soccer, and my little sister skis and runs track.

25. Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms?
No lucky charms, but I do have mental routine that gets me focused.

26. What’s on your IPod right now? What type of music do enjoy listening to? How about before a meet when you’re trying to get focused and pumped up?
I have a mix of everything downloaded, and before every meet, I listen to some “pump up” music, a little more poppy, to get me pumped up for the meet.

27. If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
Focused, Determined, Committed

28. What 3 words describe you as a person, not the gymnast?
Kind, Hard-working, Bubbly

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