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

Alyona Shchennikova

2014

Alyona Shchennikova

Hometown:
Denver, Colorado

Age:
12

Gym:
TIGAR
Wheat Ridge, Colorado

Qualifying Meet:
Pikes Peak Cup

            Bio

Q: Do you have a nickname?
“Well Alyona is my nickname and Yelena is my real name.”

Q: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
“My parents were gymnastics coaches, and when I was younger I always in the gym.”

Q: Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
“One time I locked myself in the locker room.”

Q: When did you decide you wanted to compete? What about competition appeals to you?
“My sister is an amazing gymnast and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. The part I love is competing with other girls.”

Q: What is your favorite event?
“It is either bar or floor.”

Q: What is your favorite skill?
“My sideways backhand spring on the beam.”

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 become more determined as well as physically stronger.”

Q: How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
“It has made me more disciplined outside of the gym.”

Q: If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
“Never give up!”

Q: What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
“My biggest accomplishment was winning the Secret U.S. Classic in the HOPES Division.”

Q: Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics?
“Yes.”

Q: What are your favorite subjects in school?
“Math.”

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

Q: What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing?
“My goals are to compete in the 2020 Olympics and to go in to college.”

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 watching Netflix.”

Q: What is your favorite food?
“Salami and tiramisu.”

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

Q: What is your favorite book?
“Call of the Wild.”

Q: Who is your favorite musician?
“One Direction.”

Q: Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports?
“My older sister, Polina, is currently a member of the National Team for gymnastics and my younger sister Kristina is a Level five.”

Q: Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms?
“Before we leave for a meet, my family and I sit down.”

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 listen to Pandora.”

Q: If you had to pick three words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
“Powerful, flexible and successful.”

Q: What three words describe you as a person, not the gymnast?
“Funny, friendly and kind.”

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