Hometown: Wildomar
Instagram: amari_celestine
Do you have a nickname? Ameraya
When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics? When I was 2 I used to do ring routines on the kitchen island and flip off of our furniture so my mom put me in gymnastics so I wouldn’t hurt myself
Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes? When I was youngerI thought it was cool to make up a group and it was called the wifee group with my friends Emma and Gretchen and our phrase was wifees before knifees and we would pretend our hands were swords
When did you decide you wanted to compete? And, when did you want to compete at a high level? What about competition appeals to you? I have always known I wanted to be a competitive gymnast but what I really like about competing is the rush and the energy. It makes me very energetic to be out in the floor with my teammates
What is your training regimen? Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics? There was no change really because I have been a competitive gymnast all my life
What is your favorite event? Floor
What is your favorite skill? Full-in
What music do you use for your floor routine? Don’t let me down
Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”? Laurie Hernandez
How has gymnastics helped you as a person? Gymnastics has allowed me to be the outgoing person I am today it helps me show respect to others and has disciplined me to have an open mind.
If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be? Be outgoing and express yourself
What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career? The best memories of my career is going to Ohio for a HOPES qualifier with my teammate Adrienne
What grade are you in school? I am in 9th grade
Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics? Yes I do
What are your favorite subjects, etc.? Biology and Spanish
If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there? Yes I want to study in biology, zoology or human sciences
What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing? My goal is to be one of the best gymnasts in the country and to own my own animal shelter
When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time? Do you have any hobbies or favorite activities? Charities? Cooking and baking
What is your favorite food? Soup
What is your favorite movie? Boss baby
What is your favorite book? The story of Anne Frank
What is your favorite music group? Queen
Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports? Yes my dad played for the Arizona Cardinals and my brothers are dancers and one is a gymnast
Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms? Listen to classic rock before a competition kind of calms me
What’s on your IPod right now? What type of music do enjoy listening to? Classic rock
If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they? Outgoing, Energetic and Supportive