1. Name, Age, Hometown
Hannah McCrary, 14, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
2. Do you have a nickname?
Sometimes my teammates call me Mick.
3. When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
When I was four years old, I got into it because I was too young to play baseball.
4. Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
When I started training Level 7, I used to be terrified to even hang in the strap bar.
5. 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?
I decided I wanted to compete when I was asked to join the Level 4 team. Then it just took off from there.
6. What is your training regimen?
I train mornings and afternoons depending on the day.
7. Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics?
It was kind of hectic at first, then became more of a habit to be in the gym, and compete all over the nation.
8. What is your favorite event?
I like the balance beam and vault.
9. What is your favorite skill?
I like to train double Arabians.
10. What music do you use for your floor routine?
At the beginning, it is sort of slow and dance-like then it eventually gets upbeat.
11. Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
Carly Patterson.
12. How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally?
It has made be a higher level gymnast, as well mentally tough under pressure.
13. How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
It has made me be independent and disciplined. It has taught me to expect nothing but the best of myself, as well as perseverance.
14. If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
To never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.
15. What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
Making the Nastia Liukin Cup for the second time and making JOs last season.
16. What grade are you in school, and where do you go to school?
I do the online Connections Academy and I am in 9th grade.
17. Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics?
Yes!
18. What are your favorite subjects, etc.?
I like math and history.
19. What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing?
I want to go to college and either study sports psychology or go toward a type of law.
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 usually go to my sisters ball tournaments and just hang out with friends.
21. What is your favorite food?
“Lasagna.”
22. What is your favorite movie?
“Unbroken.”
23. What is your favorite book?
“Red Badge of Courage” by Stephen Crane.
24. What is your favorite music group?
The Band Perry
25. Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports?
My mom played basketball. My dad was a football and baseball player. My sister plays softball. She is actually verbally committed to the University of Tennessee. My two brothers are still exploring for sports they like.
26. Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms?
I listen to music really loud on the car ride to the meet.
27. What’s on your IPod right now? What type of music doenjoy listening to? How about before a meet when you’re trying to get focused and pumped up?
I listen to a little bit of everything. 28. If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
Aggressive, energetic, focused.
29. What 3 words describe you as a person, not the gymnast?
Honest, smart, funny.
Q: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
“When I was too young for baseball or softball, I would climb the door frames of my room.”
Q: Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
“When I was younger, I would never participate in ‘dance time’ and I was always putting my Leo on backwards.”
Q: When did you decide you wanted to compete? What about competition appeals to you?
“I wanted to compete when I was 6 years-old. I wanted to be an elite when I was 9 years-old. I love competing against myself to improve my scores.”
Q: What is your training regimen? Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics?
“I train from four to six-and-a-half hours depending on the day. I have just been in the gym since I was little, so I didn’t really think much of it.”
Q: What is your favorite event?
“Vault.”
Q: What is your favorite skill?
“My triple full-on the floor.”
Q: What music do you use for your floor routine?
“300 Violin Orchestra.”
Q: Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
“My favorite gymnasts are Mary Lou Retton and Carly Patterson.”
Q: How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally?
“My skills have gotten harder and I have become mentally tougher.”
Q: How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
“It has made me physically and mentally stronger and tougher.”
Q: If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be?
“To never give up and to believe in yourself.”
Q: What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
“Qualifying for the Nastia Liukin Cup.”
Q: Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics?
“Yes!”
Q: What are your favorite subjects in school?
“Math and science.”
Q: If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there?
“I am still undecided.”
Q: What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing?
“I want to compete on the elite level and get a full scholarship to an SEC 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 love going to my sister’s softball tournaments and spending time with my family.”
Q: What is your favorite food?
“Lasagna.”
Q: What is your favorite movie?
“Hunger Games.”
Q: What is your favorite book?
“Winning Balance.”
Q: Who is your favorite musician?
“I can’t pick just one. I listen to all kind of music.”
Q: Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports?
“My dad played football and baseball, and my mom played basketball. My sister plays softball.
Q: Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms?
“I always eat pasta the night before.”
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?
“While I listen to all music, pop gets me pumped up.”
Q: If you had to pick three words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they?
“Strong, quick and powerful.”
Q: What three words describe you as a person, not the gymnast?
“Kind, funny and motivated.”