TBA
TBA
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Do you have a nickname? Lal
When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics? My mom is a coach so I was playing around in the gym and I started when I was 3.
Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics? I would always skip everyone and keep taking turns.
When did you decide to compete? What about competition appeals to you? I wanted to compete since I started gymnastics. I love the excitement and nerves I get when competing.
What is your training regimen? I practice 23.5 hours per week
What is your favorite event? All of them
What is your favorite skill? Shaposh on bars
What music do you use for your floor routine? “Queen of Africa”
Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your idol? Aly Raisman
How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally? I try to be less scared when trying something new and mentally, I have been able to stay calm and positive which really helps.
How has gymnastics helped you as a person? It has given me determination and ambition
If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be? Gymnastics has taught me to never give up and you have to go for what you want even if you’re scared.
What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career? Placing 2nd and 3rd at the 2016 and 2017 Nastia Liukin Cup.
What grade are you in school? 9th grade
Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics? Yes
What are your favorite subjects? Math
If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there? Something in the medical field.
What are you goals for the future, as an athlete and after you are finished competing? To compete 4 events in college and to have a good career.
When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time? I like crafts and playing with my dogs.
What is your favorite food? Panini
What is your favorite movie? Wonder
What is your favorite book? Wonder
What is your favorite music group? Ed Sheeran
Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sport? My mom was a gymnast on the Soviet Union National Team.
Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky Charms? No
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? I like pop and before a competition, I listen to rap.
If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what would they be? Competitive, hard-working, supportive
Q: Do you have a nickname?
A: Lal
Q: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
A: My mom is a coach so when I was 3, I went to the gym every day and fell in love with the sport.
Q: What is your favorite event?
A: Bars
Q: What is your favorite skill?
A: Shaposhnikova
Q: What music do you use for your floor routine?
A: Forello Mia
Q: Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
A: My Mom
Q: How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
A: Gymnastics has taught me to never give and always go for what you want.
Q: If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
A: You should always try new things no matter how hard or scary it may seem.
Q: What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
A: I think my biggest accomplishment is qualifying for Nastia Cup two years in a row and getting 2nd place last year.
Q: What grade are you in school, and where do you go to school?
A: I am in 8th grade and I’m homeschooled.
Q: What are your favorite subjects, etc.?
A: Math
Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: My goal as an athlete is to get a college scholarship.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pizza
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: The Longest Ride
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Wonder
Q: What is your favorite music group?
A: The Band Perry
Q: Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports?
A: My mom was a gymnast on the national team for the USSR.
Q: If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
A: Competitive, hard-working, determined
Name: Lali Dekanoidze
Age: 12
Hometown: Matthews, N.C.
Q: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
A: I started gymnastics when I was 3. My mom is a coach so I’d go and play around at the gym while she was coaching.
Q: Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
A: When I was 4 years old, I was competing my Level 3 floor routine and instead of doing a round-off, I did a round-off with three back handsprings. I wanted to show off what I could do.
Q: When did you decide you wanted to compete?
A: I just always knew that I was going to compete. It was never something that I thought about. I was invited to the Ranch about two years ago.
Q: What is your training regimen?
A: I practice about 25 hours a week Monday through Saturday.
Q: What is your favorite event?
A: Bars
Q: What is your favorite skill?
A: Overshoot on bars
Q: What music do you use for your floor routine?
A: Feeling Good
Q: Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
A: Maggie Nichols
Q: How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally?
A: I’ve gained confidence, and I learned never to give up.
Q: If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
A: If I fall, always get up!
Q: What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
A: Qualifying to the Nastia Liukin Cup is probably one of my biggest accomplishments.
Q: Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics?
A: Yes
Q: If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there?
A: I’ve been thinking about physical therapy, but I am not exactly sure yet.
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 like to paint and swim. I also like to hang out with my friends and family.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pizza
Q: Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports?
A: My mom was gymnast on the national team for the country of Georgia.
Q: What’s on your iPod right now? What type of music do enjoy listening to?
A: I listen to pop and country.
Q: If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
A: Confident, dedicated and hardworking.
Q: What 3 words describe you as a person, not the gymnast?
A: Creative, energetic and caring.