TBA
TBA
1. Name, Age, Hometown
Maggie O’Hara, 16, Lexington, SC
2. Do you have a nickname?
“Mags”
3. In what city do you train?
I train 2 hours away in Weddington, NC
4. When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
I was 6 years old taking a few dance classes, and I wanted to add some acro to them. Also, I was in some after school care and decided gymnastics would be more fun than schoolwork.
5. Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
At my very first competition, my coaches ordered a leotard too small for me and they said, that no matter what, do not pick your wedgie. I had the biggest wedgie throughout my floor routing. It was pretty funny.
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?
In about 1st grade, my coaches thought I was ready for competition. I did compete at the elite level for a few years but then got injured and decided to stay at Level 10. What I love about competition is performing. Listening to the crowd clap along with my songs and also meeting gymnasts from around the country.
7. What is your training regimen? Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics?
5-6 days a week from 3:30-7:30 and then on Fridays from 4:30-8:30. Each level you went up, the days definitely increased along with the number of hours spent training, but I don’t remember exactly.
8. What is your favorite event?
Bars
9. What music do you use for your floor routine?
It’s a Russian piece my coach found over the summer. It is pretty upbeat and a lot of fun.
10. Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
Shawn Johnson because she always seemed so calm and composed.
11. How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally?
My skill level has improved each year by making them cleaner and stronger and better. It has taught me mental toughness.
12. How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
Taught me a lot of perseverance and how to balance. I am usually doing my homework on the drive to and from practice.
13. If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
To never give up. I had a bad injury, and then my coaches went back to New Jersey. I thought maybe I would never compete again. But I never gave up.
14. What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
Qualifying for J.O. Nationals two years in a row was great and then qualifying for the Nastia Liukin Cup was a big deal. Also, getting a full ride to University of Michigan.
15. What grade are you in school, and where do you go to school?
Junior at River Bluff H.S.
16. Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics?
Yes.
17. What are your favorite subjects, etc.?
Math and Science.
18. If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there?
I want to study occupational therapy and become a physical therapist for special needs kids. My sister spent some time with these kids, and it really inspired me. She is not special needs but does have some disabilities.
19. What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing?
I definitely want to assist the Wolverines with hopefully winning nationals and then after become a PT and work with special needs kids.
20. When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time? Do you have any hobbies or favorite activities? Charities?
I like to spend time with my family and friends.
21. What is your favorite food?
Steak – filet mignon
22. What is your favorite movie?
Les Miserables
23. What is your favorite book?
The Color of Water
24. What is your favorite music group?
Need to Breathe
25. Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports?
My little sister is also a gymnast, both of my brothers play soccer and both of my parents were runners in high school.
26. Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms?
Not really, except I like to eat steak before every meet.
27. 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?
Pop/Christian – listen to it to get pumped up for the meet. And then, right before I go on, I listen to a Christian song to help get focused on the next event.
28. If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
Hard-working, Dedicated, Good teammate
29. What 3 words describe you as a person, not the gymnast?
Funny, Intelligent, Friendly