TBA
TBA
Nickname: AK
Q: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
A: I started gymnastics when I was 2 years old because I couldn’t stop moving and jumping off things.
Q: Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
A: When I was two, my gymnastics coach let me do front tucks off a windowsill into the pit because I asked and he said yes.
Q: When did you decide you wanted to compete? And, when did you want to compete on the elite level?
A: As soon as I knew what competition was, I couldn’t wait to get out there! Ever since I was on the pre-team at age 4, I knew I wanted to be one of the best and become a Level 10 gymnast.
Q: What about competition appeals to you?
A: I love competition because you get to go out and show people all of your skills you have been working so hard on in the gym.
Q: What is your training regimen?
A: I train about 24 hours a week. It wasn’t that big of a change for me because I have always been on the competitive track.
Q: What is your favorite event?
A: Bars and floor
Q: What is your favorite skill?
A: Either my Shaposh or a double layout dismount on bars.
Q: What music do you use for your floor routine?
A: A mix of the song “Bom Bom” by Sam and the Womp put together by Eric Larson from Wolfjump Floor Music.
Q: Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
A: Simone Biles
Q: How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally?
A: I have grown a lot, both physically and mentally, during my gymnastics career. Gymnastics is a sport that I believe helps build character and teaches you so many valuable lessons.
Q: How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
A: Gymnastics has taught me how to be a leader, work hard, succeed and never give up.
Q: If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
A: Keep trying and never give up, a skill may take a year to learn, but eventually you will get there. If you work hard and never give up, you will achieve your goals.
Q: What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
A: My biggest accomplishments in my gymnastics career so far are making it to Junior Olympic Nationals, qualifying to the Nastia Liukin Cup and verbally committing to the University of Denver.
Q: What grade are you in school, and where do you go to school?
A: I am a freshman at Wayzata High School.
Q: Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics and or are you committed?
A: I would love to compete in college, and I’m currently verbally committed to the University of Denver.
Q: What are your favorite subjects, etc.?
A: My favorite school subjects are Math and Science.
Q: If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there?
A: I want to study biology/pre-med. I want to become an orthopedic surgeon and help athletes recover.
Q: What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing?
A: My biggest goal for my J.O. career is to win the all-around at J.O. Nationals. When I go to college, I want to win NCAA Nationals with my team and make history at the University of Denver. After I’m done competing, I want to be an Orthopedic Surgeon.
Q: When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time?
A: When I’m not in the gym I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love shopping and going to the movies with my friends.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: My favorite food is sushi.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: My favorite movies are Miracle, Rudy, Blended and the Blind Side.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: My favorite books are “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels and Demons,” both written by Dan Brown.
Q: What is your favorite music group?
A: My favorite music group is Maroon 5.
Q: Are any of your family members current or former athletes?
A: My mom was a gymnast in high school, my dad played football and baseball in high school and my younger brother, Will, plays hockey, lacrosse, and football.
Q: Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms?
A: I like to go to Starbucks and get a Chai Tea latte with Coconut milk for a little extra boost of energy.
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?
A: I enjoy listening to all types of music, but my favorite genres are country and pop.
Q: If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
A: Competitive, committed and determined.
Q: What 3 words describe you as a person, not the gymnast?
A: Energetic, lively and fun.