Q: Do you have a nickname?
A: Meg
Q: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
A: At the age of 3, I saw Cirque Du Soleil on TV one night and was instantly captivated. I asked my mom what the people were doing, and she responded, “They are doing gymnastics.” From that day on I begged my parents for “ginastics,” as I called it, but had no luck in convincing them to let me start classes. Finally, as Christmas neared, I came up with the brilliant plan to ask Santa for gymnastics. All I can say is Santa came through, and I started gymnastics very soon after that at the age of 4.
Q: Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes?
A: At my first Level 4 gymnastics meet, I scored a 3.0 on vault.
Q: When did you decide you wanted to compete? And, when did you want to compete at a high level?
A: I love competing; it is probably my favorite aspect of the sport. I love the feeling when you hit a routine, and you know all of your hours of training have paid off.
Q: What is your training regimen?
A: Currently, I train about 30 hours a week, including two-a-day practices. From 2011 to 2016, I attended National Team Training Camps every month.
Q: What is your favorite event?
A: Beam
Q: What is your favorite skill?
A: Wolf turn on beam.
Q: Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”?
A: Kyla Ross has always been a role model of mine because her gymnastics is so elegant.
Q: How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally?
A: I think I have grown to be more confident in my abilities. I have learned to not focus on scores and medals, but just to focus on being the best that I can be.
Q: How has gymnastics helped you as a person?
A: Gymnastics has taught me how to stay committed to a goal and to remain dedicated to that goal until I accomplish it.
If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be? Gymnastics has shown me how blessed I am. Being able to train and compete in such an amazing sport is truly a gift. I have learned to be grateful for the many opportunities I am given, and to make the most out of each moment both inside and outside the gym.
Q: What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career?
A: My best memory from my career thus far is competing in the 2015 Pan American Games. I loved every moment of this experience. Accomplishments: 2015 US National Team, Pan American Games Team Gold, Balance Beam Silver, Full-ride scholarship to the University of Florida.
Q: What grade are you in school, and where do you go to school?
A: Senior. I am a student at Lassiter High School, but I take all of my classes online.
Q: Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics?
A: Yes, I plan to attend the University of Florida on a full-ride scholarship.
Q: What are your favorite subjects, etc.?
A: Science
Q: When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time?
A: Do you have any hobbies or favorite activities? Charities? I enjoy spending time with family.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Breakfast foods!
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: The Age of Adaline
Q: What is your favorite music group?
A: Tori Kelly
Q: Do you have any competition rituals?
A: Lucky charms? I do a lot of visualization/mental sets of my routines before I compete.
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: Tori Kelly & Kygo.