TBA
TBA
Q: Do you have a nickname?
A: Jen
Q: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
A: I started gymnastics when I was 2 years old because all of my siblings were in gymnastics.
Q: Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
A: I just remember having a ton of energy.
Q: 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?
A: I never really thought about it. I just loved the sport and kept moving through the levels.
Q: What is your favorite event?
A: Bars
Q: What music do you use for your floor routine?
A: Beyond the Veil by Lindsey Stirling
Q: Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
A: Shawn Johnson
Q: How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally?
A: I have more confidence, which helps me learn more difficult skills on the events.
Q: How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
A: Gymnastics has taught me how to stay focused and to have a good work ethic.
Q: If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
A: Gymnastics taught me to be respectful and that it’s OK to have a bad day.
Q: What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
A: Qualifying to the Nastia Cup and making it to Junior Olympic Nationals.
Q: Do you want to compete in college gymnastics?
A: Yes
Q: What are your favorite subjects, etc.?
A: Math and art
Q: If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there?
A: Nursing
Q: What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing?
A: I want to stay healthy and get a good job.
Q: When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time? Do you have any hobbies or favorite activities?
A: I coach at the gym and hang out with my friends in my free time.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Chocolate
Q: Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports?
A: My mom was a competitive swimmer, and my dad was a wrestler.
Q: Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms?
A: My mom is my lucky charm.
Q: If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
A: Positive, encouraging and hard-working
By Erica Rath
Jenna Swartzentruber is from Centerburg, Ohio. She competes for Buckeye Gymnastics Club under Kittia Carpenter. Since she was two years old, Jenna has been in the gym. She was one of those toddlers with all the energy, and since her siblings were involved in gymnastics, her parents enrolled Jenna, too.
She is now 13 years old and her brothers and sisters have moved onto other sports. Her brothers compete in cycling and track and field, while her sister competes in horseback riding. In her spare time, Jenna likes to ride horses, too. She also plays a little soccer.
Two years ago, Jenna made it to her first Junior Olympic Nationals. She remembers being very exciting and was pleased with herself for making it that far. She is now focused on becoming elite and qualifying for the national team.
Jenna likes being on the bars because she enjoys feeling like she is flying. The feeling of hitting her routine is the best, she said.
Qualifying for the Nastia Liukin Cup is exciting for Jenna. She sees Nastia as an encouraging role model in her sport. In preparing for the Cup, Jenna is focused on the things she does best, trying to perfect what she already does well.
Gymnastics mean a lot to Jenna, and she hopes to make a career in the sporting world by studying physical therapy in college.