Instagram: tory_vetter
Do you have a nickname? Tor
When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics? I took little kid classes, and jumped on our trampoline all the time, but when I taught myself how to do a cartwheel at age 4, my parents knew I was serious about taking gymnastics.
Do you have any good/funny memories from when you first started taking gymnastics classes? The first time I was on beam doing a full turn at age 5, I split the beam, had to go get a drink, and got right back up on the beam to try another one.
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 was asked to be on team when I was 5 years old, and I wanted to try it. I always wanted to do what the big girls did, and I just never stopped. I like getting to show the skills that I have been working so hard on, and I think it is fun to perform.
What is your training regimen? Was that a big change when you made the switch to competitive gymnastics? We train 20 hours a week, 4 hours 5 days a week. It was a gradual increase in practice time as I moved up through the levels, so it didn’t seem like a big change.
What are your favorite events? Floor and Bars
What is your favorite skill? Tkatchev
What music do you use for your floor routine? Puss in Boots Suite
Who is your favorite gymnast or who is your “idol”? Shawn Johnson
How have you grown as a gymnast during your career, both skill wise and mentally? Mentally, I can handle the emotions with competing better, and my skills are cleaner and I have more confidence to try harder skills.
How has gymnastics helped you as a person? It has helped me learn not to give up after the first try, and to never settle, but to keep trying to get better every day.
If you had to select one life-lesson that gymnastics has taught you, what would it be? Giving up gets you nowhere. You’re only as good as you expect to be, so expect a lot.
What are your biggest accomplishments or best memories in your career? Winning Level 9 Eastern Championships in 2016 as an individual and as a Team for Region 5, coming back from my hand injury last year better than I was before, and qualifying to Nastia.
What grade are you in school? I am a Freshman.
Do you want to compete in collegiate gymnastics? Yes
What are your favorite subjects, etc.? Science and Art
If you plan to go to college, do you know what you want to study there? Science/Medical
What are your goals for the future, both as an athlete and after you are finished competing? My goal as an athlete is to become the best I can be, and to contribute to my team however I can. After I am done competing, my goal is to find a job I love where I am helping people to better themselves.
When you’re not in the gym, how do you enjoy spending your time? Do you have any hobbies or favorite activities? I like adventuring and trying new things, wakeboarding, art, hanging out with friends and shopping.
What is your favorite food? Smoothie Bowls
What is your favorite movie? Jumanji
What is your favorite book? Night by Elie Wiesel
What is your favorite music group or singer? Ed Sheeran and Drake
Are any of your family members current or former athletes? Which sports? My dad was a diver and played football, my mom ran track and was a cheerleader, my brother played football and lacrosse, and my sister was also a gymnast but now is a cheerleader.
Do you have any competition rituals? Lucky charms? I like to eat a Chicken Salad for lunch before a meet.
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? I listen to Pop and Rap, and I have Camila Cabello, Bazzi, Ed Sheeran and Khalid on my playlist. Before a meet, I like to listen to Pop/R&B on Spotify and sing along.
If you had to pick 3 words to describe yourself as a gymnast, what are they? Determined, Fun and Energetic