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

Kimberly Tessen

2016

Kimberly Tessen

Hometown:
Orem, Utah

Age:
17

Gym:
All American
Lindon, Utah

Qualifying Meet:
Lady Luck Invitational

            Bio

1. Name, Age, Hometown:
Kimberly Tessen, 17, Orem, Utah

2. Do you have a nickname?
I have many! Some of them are Kim, Kimmy, Kimmer, Kimbo

3. Where do you live to train? (Not your hometown unless you train in hometown).
I still live in Orem, but I train in Lindon, Utah.

4. When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
I started a bit later than most people I know. My parents put me in a tumbling class when I was about 6. I really liked it so we decided to try out gymnastics, and I’ve stuck with it ever since!

5. Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
I remember when I first started I couldn’t decide if I was a lefty or a righty so I did different skills with different legs/sides. Then, I got in trouble for doing skills with both, so I decided to be a lefty.

6. 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?
I started out in Level 4 actually, so I have always been competing! As a little girl, my big dream was to go to the Olympics. So, naturally, I had to try and qualify elite if I wanted to begin that process. But injuries and other things have kept me from elite, so I am just doing Level 10. But I absolutely love it, and it is so much fun! I love going to competitions and showing everyone all of the hard work I’ve been putting in at the gym. Competitions really motivate me and I love the energy that they give me!

7. What is your training regimen? Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics?
Like I mentioned before I have always been competing, so I’m not really sure what it’s like to not be competing.

8. What is your favorite event?
Vault or beam

9. What is your favorite skill?
Front Aerial on beam or a double layout on floor

10. What music do you use for your floor routine?
It’s a mix of The Phoenix by Fall Out Boy and Ready for War by 50 Cent. Pretty hardcore, I guess

11. Who is your idol?
I can’t think of anyone specific at the moment.

12. How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
It has taught me so many things about life. I have learned how to work hard, how to motivate myself, and discipline. I’ve grown stronger through all of my experiences I’ve had in gymnastics.

13. If you had to select one life lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
You can do absolutely anything you set your mind to. If you want something, you can have it. But you have to want it bad enough and put in the work!

14. What grade are you in and where do you go to school?
I’m a senior in high school and I go to Mountain View!

15. Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics?
Yes! I am signed to go to the University of Utah next year, and I’m really excited about it!

16. What are your favorite subjects?
English, History, and Psychology

17. If you plan to go to college, what do you want to study there?
Possibly psychology or some field of criminology

18. What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing?
I want to make lineup at Utah and contribute as much as I can! After I’m finished with gymnastics I hope to start running maybe to stay active. I also hope to have a good job.

19. When you are not in the gym, how do you spend your time? Hobbies or favorite activities?
I like to read when I have the time. I also love to bake and cook food.

20. What is your favorite food?

Carbs… Any kind is good

21. Favorite movie?
Unbroken, Soul Surfer, Emperor’s New Groove

22. Favorite music group?
I like a lot of music groups… Too hard to choose!

23. Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms?
Before every meet I write down what I know I want to happen! And it almost always turns out exactly how I want it to.

24. If you had to pick three words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what would they be?
Strong, Determined, Persevering

25. If you had to pick three words to describe yourself not as a gymnast, what would they be?
Funny, Straightforward, Methodical

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