‘I think it was a blessing in disguise’
Interviews with senior athletes whose athletic careers were cut short by the coronavirus outbreak.
Sport: Gymnastics
Key stats: She is the defending state all-around 16U champion, with a specialty on the beam.
Fall plans: She will attend the University of Washington.
On the abrupt cancellation of the season: “I’m a strong believer everything happens for a reason. I was looking forward to defend that title, but I think it was a blessing in disguise. I sprained my ankle a couple weeks before the finals. It’s healed.”
On how she got into gymnastics: “My parents put me into gymnastics because when I was young I would be jumping off the coffee table doing cartwheels all over the house and they couldn’t handle me. I’m so competitive. I bring competition to every aspect of my life.”
On her life without sports: “It’s weird. It’s very strange. When I’m not in the gym, I’m normally watching the NBA or NFL. Not having anything is very odd. I’ve taken up cooking and running.”
On the lessons she’s learned: “My last competition, I wish I had taken advantage more. I have regrets. My advice would be to never leave anything with any regrets. Put in 110% every time and you’ll walk away feeling great.”
How she trains without a practice facility: “There’s a curve down by the beach where I’ll do some beam skills on. My neighbors think I’m crazy . ... I have Zoom workouts with my club team.”
Where she sees herself in 10 years: “I’m sure I’ll find a passion in the next few years at U-Dub. I hope to be helping people.”
On how the sports stoppage changed her: “It’s really taught me to embrace every moment. The season I did have was amazing, and I will cherish it forever. I am looking at the positives of my life in a much bigger way.”