Megan Jimenez

By Evan Reller

‘Megz’ Jimenez, a 15-year-old from Temecula, Calif., walked into a gymnastics class when she was three-and-a-half years old and immediately fell in love. Her favorite event is vault and she loves the new challenges that every day of practice brings. She is a part of Precision Gymnastics where she trains at least 4 hours a day.

When she isn’t training, the Temecula Valley High School sophomore likes to draw, write poetry and play piano. Jimenez believes that school comes first, however, and with her intense schedule, she often has to catch up with homework on the weekends.

“Dedication, focus and determination are so important,” Jimenez said. “You need to set a goal and achieve it.”

Her parents have always been very supportive of her sport. Lauren Jimenez, Megz’ father, was a professional-level cyclist in Costa Rica.

Jimenez has been competing at Level 10 for the past four years. In 2010 she made the Junior Olympic National Team, was a Florida National Elite qualifier and competed at the Visa National Championship. She is also an eight-time State and Regional Champ.

Megz’ personal motto is: You were not born a winner, you were not born a loser. You were born what you make yourself to be!