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

Jaedyn Rucker

2018

Jaedyn Rucker

Hometown:
Mesa, California

Age:
16

Gym:
Desert Devils
Mesa, California

Qualifying Meet:
Pikes Peak Cup

            Bio

Instagram: rucker101

Do you have a nickname? People usually call me J

When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics? I was 7 years old when my mom took me into Desert Devils and when I saw everyone flipping and jumping, I knew that what I wanted to do.

When did you decide you wanted to compete? And, when did you want to compete at a high level? What about competition appeals to you? I decided I wanted to compete when I got into level 4 because I loved performing. After level 9 is when I knew I wanted to compete at a high level because I loved the challenge. I love the level of focus competitions require and I love the feeling you get when you nail your routines.

What is your training regimen? Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics? I train 25 hours a week and it was a big change when I made the switch to competitive gymnastics.

What is your favorite event? My favorite event is either floor or beam

What is your favorite skill? My favorite skill is my double arabian because it feels like i’m flying.

What music do you use for your floor routine? I use Nasty Boys by Janet Jackson

Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”? my favorite gymnast is probably Aly Raisman because she is confident and hardworking.

How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally? I think I have grown to be stronger and more independent.

How has gymnastics helped you as a person? It has taught me to be more independent and how to work hard.

If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be? It would probably be that hard work and patience pays off.

What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career? My biggest accomplishments in my career are making it to Nastia and committing to the University of Utah.

What grade are you in school, and where do you go to school? I am a Junior and I attend Desert Ridge High School.

Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics? Yes I do!

What are your favorite subjects, etc.? My favorite subject is anatomy and physiology

If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there? I want to study kinesiology.

What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing? I plan on either coaching gymnastics, or becoming a physical therapist.

When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time? Do you have any hobbies or favorite activities? I like to hang out with my friends when I’m not at the gym

What is your favorite food? Mac and cheese.

What is your favorite movie? The Greatest Showman.

What is your favorite book? The Great Gatsby.

What is your favorite music group? I like 5th harmony

Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports? My dad used to run track at ASU, my mom was a former gymnast, my older sister used to do cheer, and my younger sister runs track.

Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms? I always have to put my left grip on first when I go to bars.

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 listen to mostly pop and hip hop and I don’t usually listen to music before my competitions.

If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they? Strong, fierce, patient

2017

Jaedyn Rucker

Hometown:
Mesa, California

Age:
15

Gym:
Desert Devils
Mesa, California

Qualifying Meet:
Classic Rock Invitational

            Bio

Q: Do you have a nickname?
A:
J

Q: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
A:
When I was seven, my mom took me into the gym and I saw everyone doing flips and I just really wanted to do that as well.

Q: What is your training regimen?
A:
I train 25 hours a week.

Q: What is your favorite event?
A:
My favorite event is floor!!

Q: What is your favorite skill?
A:
double arabian on floor

Q: What music do you use for your floor routine?
A:
Nasty Boys by Janet Jackson

Q: Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
A:
Aly Raisman

Q How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
A: It taught me how to work hard and stay focused.

Q: If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
A:
Hard work pays off.

Q: What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
A:
Making it to nationals!

Q: What grade are you in school, and where do you go to school?
A:
I am in 10th grade and I attend Desert Ridge High School.

Q: Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics?
A:
Yes, I would love to!!

Q: What are your favorite subjects, etc.?
A:
I love science!

Q: If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there?
A:
Yes, physiology

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