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

Morgan Hurd

2014

Morgan Hurd

Hometown:
Middletown, Delaware

Age:
12

Gym:
First State Gymnastics
Newark, Delaware

Qualifying Meet:
Magical Classic

            Bio

Q: Do you have a nickname?
“Morgi.”

Q: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
“When I was 3 years-old, my mom put me in a class.”

Q: Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
“At recreational classes, I used to love being put in the belt on the trampoline and continuously bouncing up and down.”

Q: When did you decide you wanted to compete? What about competition appeals to you?
“I decided I wanted to compete when I was about seven or eight. I wanted to compete on an elite level when I was around 10. I enjoy it when I do really well and everyone cheers loudly.”

Q: What is your training regimen? Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics?
“I train 30 hours a week. Yes it was big jump, and I am also homeschooled now, which has also been a big change.”

Q: What is your favorite event?
“Bars.”

Q: What is your favorite skill?
“Tkatchev, Chinese sit-up, and shoot-overs.”

Q: What music do you use for your floor routine?
“I’m not sure of the name, but it is Chinese-0inspired music.”

Q: Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
“My favorite gymnast is Nastia Liukin.”

Q: How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally?
“I have gained a lot more skills and become more mentally focused.”

Q: How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
“It has taught me to be motivated, independent and mentally tough.”

Q: If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
“That no matter how many times you fall, you should always get back up.”

Q: What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
“My best memories are getting invited back to Elite Developmental Camp and qualifying for the Nastia Liukin Cup.”

Q: Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics?
“Maybe, because right now I might want to go pro.”

Q: What are your favorite subjects in school?
“English and writing.”

Q: If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there?
“I want to study fashion and coaching.”

Q: What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing?
“I plan to become an international elite this year. I also want to compete in the 2020 Olympics. After I am done with gymnastics, I want to become a coach at First State, have my own Leo line, and write a book.”

Q: When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time? Do you have any hobbies or favorite activities?
“I enjoy sewing, reading, writing and watching movies.”

Q: What is your favorite food?
“Sushi!”

Q: What is your favorite movie?
“Stick It and Frozen.”

Q: What is your favorite book?
“Out of My Mind.”

Q: Who is your favorite musician?
“Fall Out Boy.”

Q: Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports?
“My cousins play baseball, football, and wrestling.”

Q: Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms?
“The meal before a meet depending when it is, I have to eat seafood. During the meet, I carry in my bag a tiny doll. Before my meet I have to listen to It’s a Long Way To The Top If You Want to Rock and Roll by ACDC.”

Q: 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 variety of music and games in my iPod. I enjoy pretty much all kinds of music.”

Q: If you had to pick three words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
“Determined, strong and focused.”

Q: What three words describe you as a person, not the gymnast?
“Outgoing, creative and imaginative.”

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