Kids Gymnastics Classes | IK Gymnastics, Chicago

GABRIELA G.

Age: 13

Level: 6/Platinum, AAU/Xcel Team

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: 4 years.

Q: What is your favorite event and why?

A: Bars, because I like finding the flow of my routine.

Q: What has been your proudest gymnastics moment this year?

A: Winning 1st Place All-Around at my meet last weekend.

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: Learning a back-handspring on beam.

Q: How did you overcome that challenge?

A: I had to realize it was all about mindset. I had to focus on not thinking about what could happen, but more on what should happen.

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: My parents. Coach Genevieve - she has helped me out a lot and been my coach forever. My friends - they have helped me overcome my fears.

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: Move up to Diamond level next year...hopefully. *crosses fingers*

Q: What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not in the gym?

A: Drawing. I don’t really show people, but I draw a lot.

Helen H.

Age: 15 - turning 16 soon

Level: USAG Level 10

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: about 11 years

Q: What is your favorite event and why?

A: Beam, I’ve always been good at it. I love learning skills and especially sticking them at competition. I’m very proud of how I can keep my cool at meets and been able to nail the landings.

Q: What has been your proudest gymnastics moment this year?

A: I would say qualifying to and competing nationals from last season. The highlight of nationals was winning beam.

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: I don’t have any challenging “moments” but gymnastics is always challenging. There are always tough days or even weeks, whether it’s school and homework or it’s just struggling with routines. For me I most often struggle with having to train without enough sleep or vault.

Q: How did you overcome that challenge?

A: Just had to power through, a lot of surviving gymnastics is being able to persevere. You can’t always be perfect or have a great practice everyday you just have to get through and deal with it.

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: My family definitely.

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: I’m currently hoping to qualify to and compete at nationals again. In general I have a lot of skills on each event that I’m hoping to develop over summer and compete them next season.

Q: What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not in the gym?

A: just relaxing or hanging out with friends over the weekend. I don’t have a specific hobby or anything...gymnastics takes up a lot.

LEILANI “Lei Lei” P.

Age: 8

Level: GIJO Silver

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: 5 years

Q: What is your favorite event and why?

A: Floor, because I can do so many skills on the floor. And I love the springs!

Q: What has been your proudest gymnastics moment this year?

A: Having awesome teammates and coaches. I also know I am capable of performing at meets with lots of expression!

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: I have a few. Learning my kip on bars, handstand-forward roll on beam, front tucks on floor, and handspring to flat back on vault.

Q: How did you overcome that challenge?

A: I have just have to work on them longer!

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: The coaches and my friend, Sammy. The entire Silver team, and, really, the entire GiJo team has been so supportive. I try to support them too!

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: To be the best I can be! The Olympics would also be really cool! I’d love to share that experience with my mom.

Q: What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not in the gym?

A: I like running around with my friends and playing dodgeball. I enjoy swimming and diving and running track. This helps me run out my energy when I’m not in the gym.

Sasha B.

Age: 10

Level: USAG Level 7

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: 4 years.

Q: What is your favorite event and why?

A: Parallel Bars and Floor because I am really good at those events. And it’s really fun!

Q: What has been your proudest gymnastics moment this year?

A: When I competed in the Justin Spring Invite and won 1st Place All-Around!

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: Working towards winning Regionals. There is some really good competition this year.

Q: How are you overcoming this challenge?

A: Working hard every day! I am trying hard to do everything really good!

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: My mom! She says “Go, Sasha!” a lot.

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: I would like to win a lot of Level 8 meets next year.

Q: What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not in the gym?

A: I play lots of football at school and I like to jog.

Gabi F.

Age: 9

Level: AAU/Xcel Level 3

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: 2 years.

Q: What is your favorite event and why?

A: I like all the events because they’re all fun! I love how you get to do cooler tricks as you get older.

Q: What has been your proudest gymnastics moment this year?

A: Finally learning my round-off, back handspring on floor!

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: Learning my round-off, back handspring was a challenge. And, when I broke my arm in January, it was a challenge to keep up with my gymnastics.

Q: How are you overcoming this challenge?

A: I was afraid to do my round-off, back handspring, but I did it anyways. And I was like “YAY!” inside!

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: My mom. She always says, “I am your biggest cheerleader. As long as you do your best, you are the greatest!”

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: To level up to Level 4 next season.

Q: What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not in the gym?

A: I like to dance a lot! I do a lot of research and math for school. I am really good at math!

Bennet B.

Age: 4

Class: Coach Abby’s IK Kids

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: Um, I don’t know. A lot of weeks!

Q: What is your favorite part of gymnastics?

A: I love going into the pit. Hey, can I tell you a secret? It’s something that I cannot tell anyone else because it might make them feel bad. *whispers* I’m the star!

Q: What do you love about Coach Abby?

A: I like giving pictures to her. I like that she gives stamps to me. And she helps me!

Q: When you are not at gymnastics, what do you like to do?

A: I go to my regular school class with Miss Brianna. My favorite sports are soccer and jogging.

Sophia D.

Age: 9

Level: Trampoline Team, Level 3

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: I have been doing trampoline for two and a half years. And, before that, I started gymnastics classes when I was six and a half.

Q: What is your favorite part about gymnastics and why?

A: I think it’s a tie between double mini and trampoline. I like them both equally. At first, it was double mini because I was sticking more of my front tucks there. But, now, I can stick almost everyone that I do on trampoline. So, now, it’s a tie!

Q: What has been your proudest gymnastics moment this year?

A: When I won my second place medal at my most recent meet for trampoline. It was at our IK home meet.

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: Probably trying to stick my front tucks on both double mini and trampoline.

Q: How did you overcome that challenge?

A: It took a lot of practice and I followed Coach Gennadiy’s corrections and it worked!

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: My parents and my best friend, Darcy, at school.

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: I want to learn my back tucks so I can move up to Level 5!

Q: What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not in the gym?

A: I like other sports like basketball. I like to go golfing and do other sports with my dad.

Caroline Z.

Age: 8

Level: USAG Level 4

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: Since I was one year old. I was in a class with my mom.

Q: What is your favorite event and why?

A: Vault, because I am really good at it.

Q: What has been your proudest gymnastics moment this year?

A: At my State meet when I did floor. I did my best floor routine, I stuck both of my landings, and got my highest score! I got a 9.675!

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: Learning free-hips on bars.

Q: How are you overcomig that challenge?

A: I have been getting better at them by learning free-hips on the strap bar and doing them over and over again.

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: [Teammate] Cami! After my routines, she gives me big hugs and cheers for me really loud.

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: To win the All-Around at Level 5 State!

Q: What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not in the gym?

A: I like to go swimming when it’s hot. I also like to do a lot of things with my cousins. We go to the park and we go skateboarding.

Amy B.

Age: 42

Class: Adult Gymnastics

Q: Tell me a little bit about your gymnastics history.

A: I’ve been doing gymnastics since I can ever remember. Back in the old school days, I was a ‘Class 1’ gymnast, which is the equivalent of today’s ‘Level 10.’ I was working out all the time and felt like I didn’t have a life, so I quit when I was 13. When I went to high school, I did high school gymnastics for 2 years. Then, I sprained my spine and kind of saw that as a way out of gymnastics to have more of a social life, which sound terrible. After that, I didn’t do gymnastics for 18 years, yet, I kept seeing advertisements for adult classes, so I came back to the gym at 34-years-old, and haven’t been able to quit since!

Q: How long have you been taking classes at IK?

A: When Irina opened this gym, we were in the very first IK adult class. So a group of us have been here ever since!

Q: What first drew you to IK Adult class?

A: We kind of knew of Irina. We knew she was opening this wonderful, new gym and wanted to come check out the facilities. Number one, the facility far surpassed any facility we’ve been to. The coaches of the class were actual coaches and could actually help the people that were more advanced. It was the best thing that ever happened to us! And then, Irina came over and talked to a few of us and asked us what we were looking for out of the class and what she could do for us. She wanted our input and we felt so welcomed here and appreciated that we were given coaches that could actually help us.

Q: Why are you committed to coming to class consistently?

A: It’s my therapy! I don’t know how else to put it! It keeps me young, in mind, spirit, and body. It keeps me in shape. You know, everyone always says, “find a workout you love and stick with it.” And THIS is IT! So, I will do it until I can’t any more!

Q: What is your most proud gymnastics memory?

A: One memory from when I was little was when I actually did my back-handspring, layout for the first time in competition and stayed on the beam and hit my beam set! I was 13, and I’ll never forget that! And, probably, as an adult, I got my double full’s back on floor when I was 38 years old. Unfortunately, a week later, I tore my ACL. But, I had surgery and I came back! And I’m still doing gymnastics! It was my very first surgery and my mom thought I was crazy for coming back at my age. I am taking it easy, but it’s my therapy!

Q: What are your gymnastics goals?

A: To keep doing what I can do. To stay with the sport and do it in some capacity. I mean, I’m 42! I’m hoping I can do it well into my 40’s and 50’s!

Q: When you’re not here, what do you do?

A: I’m a flight attendant. I travel on my own time. I like going to see live music and doing photography.

Evan K.

Age: 6

Class: PreTeam

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: Since I was 2.

Q: What is your favorite event?

A: Let's see...cartwheels! I like tumbling!

Q: What has been your proudest gymnastics moment so far?

A: Right now!

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in gymnastics?

A: Handstands! Because, I keep, like...what's it called? I can't remember. Oh! It's really hard to keep a straight body!

Q: How are you working on that challenge? What are you doing to get better at handstands?

A: I am trying to put my feet straight and try to point my toes.

Q: Who helps you with handstands?

A: Mostly my dad. He used to do gymnastics when he was my age.

Q: Who is your biggest cheerleader?

A: My dad and my mom. They cheer me on and are proud of me.

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: I think I want to learn to do my "cut forward" on bars all by myself.

Q: What do you like to do when you're not at gymnastics?

A: I don't really do much gymnastics at home, but I really like to do homework.

Q: What do you like about Coach Andre and Coach Abby?

A: They help me with stuff that's really hard.

Sadie L.

Age: 9

Level: AAU/Xcel Gold

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: Since I was 3 years old. So, about six years.

Q: What is your favorite event?

A: Bars! It’s just really fun doing bar skills like flyaways. They’re my favorite!

Q: What has been your proudest gymnastics moment this year?

A: When I got my back walk-over on high beam and when I won a gold medal on bars at AAU Regionals.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge this year?

A: Vault! It’s challenging to reach and go up and get more power on my front hand-spring.

Q: How are you overcoming that challenge?

A: I’ve been working with Coach Payton which has actually been helping me a little. On Monday, we did front hand-springs on the vault trainer and I felt really good!

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: Probably my mom! She comes to every single one of my meets and she’s like “Go, Sadie!”

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: To get my kip on bars because I’ve been trying to do it for a long time.

Q: What do you like to do outside of gymnastics?

A: I enjoy math!

Q: What do you enjoy most about Coach Genevieve?

A: She’s really nice. Sometimes, she’s strict, but she’s really nice! I like how she always says, “SADIE!”

Morgan S.

Age: 8

Level: USAG Boys Level 5

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: I think, like, two years I have been doing gymnastics.

Q: What is your favorite event and why?

A: Rings, because it’s really easy for me and it’s the event that I won first place at one meet. It’s my favorite!

Q: What has been your proudest gymnastics moment this year?

A: Doing my rings routine and winning first place on that event! And winning 3rd Place All-Around at Regionals!

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: I think high bar. My level 5 high bar routine had a kip and a lot of swings.

Q: How did you overcome that challenge?

A: I practiced hard and listened to my coaches.

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: Basically, my whole team and my mom and my family. They cheer us on and clap for us when we get a high score.

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: To get a 60 All-Around score next year.

Q: What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not in the gym?

A: I am really good at soccer and swimming. I am really good at math and science.

Sofia M.

Age: 11

Class: Training Team

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: Since I was 3 years old, so, about 8 years.

Q: What is your favorite event and why?

A: I like floor because I like bouncing around!

Q: What has been your most proud gymnastics moment this year?

A: When I got my Round-Off, Back Tuck on Tumble Track. I can’t remember exactly when I got it. Probably two years ago, if I had to guess.

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: Doing a sissone jump on beam, because I cannot quite make my knees straight and point my back foot yet.

Q: How are you overcoming that challenge?

A: I just keep trying to keep my legs straight. I think about it, put the image in my head, and then I work on it!

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: Probably my best friend, Alexis. She always says, “You can do it! You can do it!” and it’s really nice of her to support me.

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: To move to the GiJo team and start competing. I would love to compete because I have been in gymnastics for a long time. It’s been a dream of mine to compete!

A: What is your favorite thing about Coach Genevieve?

Q: I like her hair. Her hair is really fun!

Q: What is something you enjoy when you’re not in the gym?

A: I love animals and working with animals! And I do track. I have track meets every Wednesday and Friday, so that’s fun!

Rachel K.

Age: 10

Level: Level 5, training Level 6

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: I was 3 years old when I started. I started at The Little Gym and then I went to Lakeshore [Academy] and then I came here. So, I’ve been in gymnastics for 7 years.

Q: What is your favorite event and why?

A: Bars! Because I have the most fun on it! I like giants the best.

Q: What has been your most proud gymnastics moment this year?

A: At State, I got my highest All-Around score ever: 38.6! And I placed 1st All-Around!

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: I had knee pain that sort of slowed me down a little on tumbling and vaulting at the beginning of the year.

Q: How did you overcome that challenge?

A: I did physical therapy that got rid of the knee pain.

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: My parents! They go to all my meets and cheer me on.

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: I want to stay in gymnastics until Level 10. And win some meets next year.

Q: What do you like most about Coach Irina?

A: She is always supporting us!

Q: What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not in the gym?

A: I go outside and play. I am good at math and short distance running.

Lola Y

Age: 10

Level: Trampoline Team Level 6, training Level 7

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: I think 4 or 5 years. I have done trampoline for 2 years.

Q: What is your favorite thing about gymnastics?

A: I like learning all the different skills. And, at school, I like to show all my friends. It’s also just really cool to test your flexibility and learn all that you can do!

Q: What has been your most proud gymnastics moment this year?

A: I think probably doing a double front into the pit. I only did it once, but it was amazing! *gives a huge smile and two thumbs up*

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: I think probably doing my 3/4 Cody because we were doing them with Coach Gennadiy and stopped because competition was coming up. But, I did it again a couple days ago and that was just fun to refresh my memory.

Q: How did you overcome that challenge?

A: Well, watching my teammates and seeing what they’re doing and learning from them helps me. I know Blythe got her Cody by herself and it was cool!

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: My mom! She comes to every competition which is really nice to see her in the crowd. She always takes a video and sends it to my dad and then I get to watch it later.

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: On double mini, I can’t connect the second pass for Level 7 which is straight jump, back tuck, barani tuck. So think my goal is to connect back tuck, barani tuck on double mini.

Q: What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not in the gym?

A: I like doing art. I like to paint when I can. Watercolors are my favorite!

Acadia G.

Age: 11

Level: GiJo Team, Level 6

Q: How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A: I started when I was younger and only did it for less than a year, then took a really long break. I came back when I was 9 or 10, so about three years total.

Q: What is your favorite event and why?

A: Beam, because it pushes me to be better because it’s one of my worse events. It pushes me to be less afraid and helps me on all other events.

Q: What has been your most proud gymnastics moment this year?

A: Probably when I got my back walk-over on beam non-stop because I’ve always been scared of it and took me over a year to get it. I’ve always been afraid of going backwards. And when you [Coach Jess ] came and started coaching me, that’s when you encouraged me, “You gotta get this done”, that’s when I finally got it consistently!

Q: What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

A: I think it was when I injured myself. I hurt my big toe right before State, so I missed 3 meets. I think it’s when you sit there and condition while watching your friends do gymnastics, you can’t really help yourself. It’s really hard. But, it pushes you to do better when you come back much stronger.

Q: How did you overcome that challenge?

A: My mom just kept telling me, “It’s going to make you stronger and better.” The injury gave me an advantage because at that time I was also going through a lot of tough stuff with family and school outside the gym, which later helped me focus on gymnastics much better.

Q: Who is your strongest supporter?

A: My mom! She is probably my toughest critic and she’s always there for me. She’s the one that got me into gymnastics.

Q: What is your next gymnastics goal?

A: Right now, my goal is to stick everything for Nationals, since it is my first meet back since my injury. I think just going to the meet and getting at least one award. It would be amazing to stand on the podium!

Q: What do you like about Coach Genevieve?

A: I like how she pushes you, not in an aggressive way, rather in a funny way that just gets you there no matter what.

Q: What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not in the gym?

A: I do a lot of running. I do track and field. I love doing math and art, just being artsy!(This interview was done three days before Nationals. I am so proud to note that Acadia did stick ALL of her routines and placed on not only one event, but placed on TWO events and 5th All-Around! Focus, determination and hard work - that's how she crushed goals! Acadia, we are so proud of you!)

Emily

Age: 8

Team: Team Prep//Level 3.

How long have you been doing gymnastics?

I did mom and tot when I was two, but real Gymnastics I started when I was six.

What is your favorite event and why?

Floor because I really like tumbling.

What is your proudest gymnastics moment this year?

When I got my back handspring.

What is your most challenging moment this year?

Connecting my round off and back handspring.

How did you overcome that?

I still pause for about half a second but it is better than when I first started.

Who is your strongest supporter?

Zoe. She is in my group on team prep.

What is your next gymnastics goal?

To compete.

What is something you enjoy doing when you're not at the gym?

Art.

Hannah

Age: 13

Class: Pre-Teen with Coach Lexi

How long have you been doing gymnastics?

A little over a year.

What is your favorite event and why?

I love doing bars because I think it is really fun and I can use my arm strength and kind of practice getting better. And it helps me with other events as well.

What is your proudest gymnastics moment this year?

I was very proud when I learned how to do a back handspring and I can't quite do it by myself yet but I'm getting close.

What is your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?

Probably learning new skills on beam because I'm working on my balance and it's not my strongest.

How did you overcome this?

I've been just working on doing the best I can.

Who is your strongest supporter?

I would say my strongest supporter is my mom. She always takes me here and helps me with skills I have trouble with.

What is your next gymnastics goal?

I hope to be able to do more skills by myself such as back handspring.

What do you like the most about Coach Lexi?

She is funny and makes learning new gymnastics skills fun.

What is something you enjoy doing outside of IK?

I enjoy learning new things at school and running. Keep up the great work Hannah!

Hayden

Age: 7.

Team: Boy's Level 6.

How long have you been doing gymnastics?

I started doing it for fun at like four.

What is your favorite event?

Pommel Horse because it is really easy for me and it's fun and I like to work hard on it.

What was your proudest moment this year?

At Regionals when I won 1st place.

What was the hardest moment this year?

When I fell on Pommel Horse at Regionals.

Who is your strongest supporter?

My mom. She helps me try my hardest.

What is your next Gymnastics goal?

To go to the Olympics.

When you are not at IK what do you do for fun?

Sometimes I just do handstands in my house. Keep up the great work Hayden!

Eloise

Age: 5 years old.

Team: Accelerated Program.

How long have you been doing gymnastics?

For a very long time.

What is your favorite event?

I mostly like vault because of the trampoline. We can bounce on the big block and then bounce onto the little. It's fun.

What are you the proudest of this year?

Mmm.... Learning my cartwheels and stuff like that.

What was the hardest moment this year?

Uhm... The hardest thing to learn was... uhm.... Kinda sorta beam because sometimes on them you have to jump.

Who is your biggest supporter?

Mostly my brother.

What is your next goal in gymnastics?

Mmm.... I want to be in the Olympics.

What do you do outside of IK?

Mostly I go to my bedroom and sometimes I play with my action figures. Sometimes, well I just sit on the couch and watch tv.

Other than that do you do any other sports?

Well I do tennis lessons in the suburbs but I missed one because it was raining out so I don't get to do it. And there is a big bowl of candy.

Addison

Age: 5 years old

Class: Beginner 2 Gymnastics

How long have you been doing gymnastics?

Like.... 5 months.

What is your favorite event?

I like bars because you can swing on them.

What is your proudest moment this year?

When I first got into gymnastics because I didn't know if I was going to be in the little gymnastics class or the big gymnastics.

What was your hardest moment so far?

The thing you do like a handstand and then you like reach onto the mat and fall flat on the mat. (*Handstand flat back)

Who is your strongest supporter?

Uhm... the beam because you can do like the thing like this.. (She showed me a ronde)

*I then went back and asked who cheers you on the most?

My mom. She always gives us surprises.

What is your next goal in gymnastics?

I want to win a medal when I'm at gymnastics.

Efren

Age: 7 years old

Class: Trampoline Pre-Team

How long have you done gymnastics?
Three years. --Trampoline? One year.

What is your favorite event?
Trampoline because you get to jump higher.

What was your proudest moment this year?
Joining the Pre-Team.

What was the hardest?
Double mini, putting the passes together.

Who is your biggest supporter?
My friends.

When you are not at IK what do you do?
I ride my bike with my dad almost every day.

Angelina

Age: 10
Class: Intermediate

What is your favorite event? Floor because I can do my back handsprings and aerials.
Floor because I can do my back handsprings and aerials.

What was your proudest moment this year?
Doing my Aerial for the first time last week.

What was your hardest moment? Getting my Aerial and my front handspring.
Getting my Aerial and my front handspring.

Who is your strongest supporter?
*Points at Coach Kat* Coach Kat is because she makes me laugh sometimes.

What is your next goal?
To get my front handsprings on floor and vault.

What is your favorite thing about your Coach?
I like her accent!

When you are not at IK what do you do?
I watch TV and take dance classes. I do ballet, jazz, and hip hop.

Adeline

Age: 13
Team: GIJO Gold

How long have you been doing gymnastics?
Oh gosh... uhm.. I think I have been doing gymnastics since I was about four years old.

What is your favorite event and why?
My favorite event is floor because I get to include components of gymnastics and dance and be really creative with the choreography.

What was your proudest moment this year?
Probably not falling off the beam at all after having a few meets where I fell off four times because that was really tough for me but I worked through it and got better.

What was the toughest moment this year?
Well I did have a fear of full turns on beam for a little bit, that was tough. Yeah, I fell off at every meet and got really scared but I constantly did a ton of them and it got better.

Who is your strongest supporter?
Not one person, my whole family, my mom, dad, and sister. They are always encouraging me to follow my heart and do what I want to, you know make my own choices, so they are really supportive of everything I do.

What is your next gymnastics goal?
My next gymnastics goal is to get a kip on bars because I have been working at that for, oh gosh, probably like three years and I still haven't gotten it!

What do you do when you are not at IK?
I love to cook. I do a lot of cooking at home for my family. I also do a lot of school sports. I do field hockey during the fall, softball in the spring, and I also do tennis during the summer.

Keep up the great work! We hope to see your kip soon!!

Elyse

Age: 12
Team: XCEL Platinum

How long have you been doing gymnastics?
Since I was six, so six years.

What is your favorite event and why?
I like bars because I really like learning new skills. Favorite Skill: Free hip to handstand.

What was your proudest moment this year?
Making the State Team.

What was your most challenging moment this year?
Getting ready for State to get to Regionals because I was really nervous.

How did you overcome that challenge?
I listened to all my corrections and I just gave it everything I could because you don't want to leave any regrets out there.

Who is your strongest supporter?
My teammates and my mom. She is always taking video tapes of me and cheers me on.

What is your next goal?
To compete Diamond.

What do you like most about Coach Genevieve?
She is really funny and makes gymnastics fun.

When you are not at IK what do you do for fun?
I like baking and hanging out with my friends

Asha

Age: 9
Team: USAG Level 4

How many years have you been doing gymnastics?
Six years, since I was three.

What is your favorite event and why?
My favorite event is bars because I like doing flips like I like jumping between bars.

What was your proudest gymnastics moment?
I couldn’t do my cartwheel on the high beam and Now I can.

What was your most challenging moment?
For a while I was scared of jumping between bars. Two times actually, one recently and one when I was with Chloe and Matthew.

How did you overcome that challenge?
I just practiced doing it step by step and then I got it.

Who is your strongest supporter?
My mom. Whenever I got doing things like when I got my jump to high bar she was really supportive. And my dad too.

What is your next gymnastics goal?
To try to do a back tuck on the floor.

What do you like most about Coach Genevieve?
She is really funny and makes gymnastics fun.

When you are outside of IK what do you like to do?
I like doing art and I like playing outside a lot. I like to play on my swing set a lot.

Michelle

Age: 10
Team: AGG (Aesthetic Group Gymnastics)

How many years have you been doing gymnastics?
I have been doing gymnastics for about two years.

What is your favorite skill?
My favorite skill would be.... middle splits. Or any splits.

What is your proudest moment?
My proudest moment would have to be when I touched the floor on my over middle split.

What was your most challenging moment?
Most challenging is when we have to do our jumps, like leaps into a split, that is hard for me.

How did you overcome that challenge?
I’ve been helping myself by stretching a lot and practicing at home.

Who is your strongest supporter?
My father and teacher Coach Tatiana.

What is your gymnastics goal?
My goal is to go into the Olympics and get at least one of the medals.

When you are not at IK what do you like to do?
Stretch at home and try to make routines for myself. I also like soccer, volleyball, and softball.

Amelia

Age: 7
Team: Trampoline Team

How long have you done Gymnastics?
About two years. Trampoline? One year.

What is your favorite event and why?
Trampoline because I get to jump around.

What is your proudest moment so far?
My proudest moment was when I got my new high score a few days ago. Actually it was today!!

What was your most challenging moment?
Probably jumping backwards on the mini trampoline and then landing on top of the cheese mat since I don’t jump that high on the mini trampoline. (This is a drill we use for back tucks)

Who is your strongest supporter?
Alana. (One of Amelia’s teammates)

What is your next goal?
My next goal is to get 14:00 for bounces timing. (In trampoline they time their straight jumps for 10 and 20 bounces to see how high they are jumping. Amelia’s high score is 12:11 currently but she has been receiving new high scores weekly.)

When you are not at IK what do you like to do?
I like to eat food and watch tv and also read my favorite book Mr. Popper’s Penguins.

Olivia

Age: 16
Team: USAG Level 10

How long have you done Gymnastics?
I have been doing gymnastics for 8 years.

What is your favorite event and why?
My favorite event is floor because I love to tumble and also perform , especially during competitions to the crowd.

What has been your proudest gymnastics moment this year?
My proudest gymnastics moment this year has been qualifying to J.O Nationals as the first alternate !

What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?
My most challenging moment is pushing through the frustration I receive while practicing tough skills.

How did you overcome that challenge?
I overcome this challenge by continuing to work hard everyday at practice and always try to listen my coaches corrections.

Who is your strongest supporter?
My strongest supporter is my mom. She has always been there for me since the beginning and is always helping me with whatever I need. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

What is your next gymnastics goal?
My next gymnast goal is to qualify to J.O Nationals again this year and to have a successful , fun season!

What is something you enjoy doing when you're not in the gym?
I enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Sloan

Age: 9 And a half
Class: Intermediate 2/Advanced

How long have you done Gymnastics?
About seven years.

What is your favorite event and why?
I like bars because you get to do lots of skills on it and it is one of the hardest ones.

What has been your proudest gymnastics moments?
My proudest moment is... this is a hard one... probably getting my round off, back handspring, back handspring, back flip.

What was your most challenging moment?
Probably the first time I had done this class.

How did you overcome that challenge?
Well... I was on USAG but then I changed to a lower group that was a little easier so my dad said to try it one more time to see if I liked it and I liked it so I stayed.

Who is your strongest supporter?
Uhm... probably my old coach, Erik, and probably my friend Bailey. If I get upset about gymnastics she helps me walk through it and she also helps me with skills and stuff.

What is your next goal?
Probably to compete.

When you are not at IK what do you like to do?
Probably play with my brother and do like soccer and stuff.

Sophie

Age: 12
Class: Intermediate 1

How long have you been in gymnastics?
I’ve been doing it since I was three I think.

What is your favorite event?
Floor probably because I like all the tumbling we do and the different levels, like Simone Bikes created her own move and it’s just cool.

What is your proudest moment this year?
My proudest gymnastics moment is probably learning to get my Aerial, outside of gymnastics though.

What was a challenge this year?
Probably getting my back hip circle.

Who is your strongest supporter?
My coaches and my parents.

What is your next goal?
To try and get into a team and Work my hardest to get to the Olympics.

When you are outside of IK what do you like to do?
I like to hang out with my friends and watch the Cubs.

Max

Age: 10
Class: Boys Beginner 2

How long have you been doing gymnastics?
Three years.

What is your favorite event?
Rings because you can move freely and there is no constraint.

What is your proudest moment this year?
When he finally got his pullover with straight arms.

What was your most challenging moment?
Conditioning with coach aleks.

Who is your strongest supporter?
My mom, she's always here for me and listens to my accomplishments.

What is your next goal?
I really want to land a front tuck on vault like level 5 boys.

When you are not at IK what do you like to do?
I really like to read about space.

Delaney

Age: 8
Team: GIJO Bronze

How many years have you done gymnastics?
Two years.

What is your favorite event?
Bars because I like swinging on them and I like doing the skills.

What is your proudest moment?
Doing banana rolls with straight knees.

What was the most challenging moment?
Doing full turns on floor. I overcame the challenge by squeezing all of my muscles.

Who is your strongest supporter?
Coach Genevieve.

What is your next goal?
A front handspring.

When you are not at IK what do you like to do?
When I am not at the gym I am playing at my grandmas house.

Lela

Age: 10
Team: USAG Level 3

How many years have you done gymnastics?
Since I was five.

What is your favorite event?
Floor, I like all of the Tumbling.

What is your proudest moment?
Getting a round off back handspring.

What was the most challenging moment?
Getting a front tuck.

What is your next goal?
To get a back tuck on floor.

When you are not at IK what do you like to do?

I like to do art. (Specifically painting.)

Laura

Age: 40
Class: Aerial Silks

How many years have you done Silks?
Nearly 4 years

What made you proud to get?
Anytime I achieve a new skill it makes me very excited, but I have to say getting my first climb. Aerialists make climbing and performing look effortless, but I learned in my very first Aerial class that it takes so much strength and coordination. Getting your first climb is a huge milestone for any aspiring aerialist.

What was a challenge?
Learning "drops" is a big challenge (like the one in the video). It takes a lot of trust. Fortunately, Sarah is an amazing instructor and really works to build a strong physical and mental foundation in her students so that they feel confident to try out more advanced skills.

What is your next goal?
My next goal is to achieve a skill called the "helicopter", which is another type of drop where you literally wheel down the silk from top to bottom rather quickly. I've been working on it a while and it's a tough skill to master! Another goal I have is to someday teach Aerial Silks to beginning aerialists! This goal also requires learning the rigging aspect of Silks, which is an art in itself.

When you are not at IK what do you like to do?

I'm a health coach and therapist and enjoy working with clients to achieve their own dreams and goals. I also live with my husband and 3 cats and we like to get outdoors and also enjoy live music.

Genevieve

Age: 10
Class: Beginner 3/Intermediate 1

How many years have you done Gymnastics?
I've done it for almost three years.

What is your favorite event?
My favorite event is bars because I love how you feel like you are flying.

What was your most challenging moment this year?
The most challenging thing for me this year was getting my back walkover.

What was your proudest moment?
My proudest moment was when I got my squat on.

What is your next goal?
My next goal is to get my front walkover.

When you are not at IK what do you like to do?
I like to read. Favorite Book: Harry Potter

KJ

Age: 13
Level: XCEL Platinum

How long have you been doing gymnastics?
I have been doing gymnastics for 6 years.

What is your favorite event and why?
I really like floor because I love performing my floor routines! It's really funny to see the judges laughing when I do my routine.

What has been your proudest gymnastics moment this year?
My proudest gymnastics moment this year was probably at Chicago Style because I got 4th place all around which is pretty good for the biggest meet in the country.

What has been your most challenging gymnastics moment this year?
I guess that this season all together has been challenging. Even though I am getting better everyone on my team is doing so good and moving on to harder skills that I haven’t been able to get yet.

How did you overcome that challenge?
I have been trying to work really hard at practice and let my struggle only make me want to work harder and improve.

Who is your strongest supporter?
My strongest supports would be my coaches and my mom. Everyone helps me improve in a different way. Even coach Jess still supports me.

What is your next gymnastics goal?
My next goal is to get my cast handstand and giants.

What is something you enjoy doing when you're not in the gym?
I like relaxing or hanging out with friends... really anything.

Kelly

Age: 29
Level: Adult Aerials

How long have you done aerials?
I took my first aerial class in August of 2017.

What is your favorite skill?
My favorite move is half monte because I have a personal goal to touch my feet to my head.

What has been a challenge for you?
The biggest challenge in learning aerials is that I can’t physically practice at home - just mentally.

What is one of your proudest achievements?
The achievement I am most proud of is being able to do pull-ups at the gym now!

What is something you enjoy doing when you are not at IK?
Something I enjoy doing when I am not in class is to travel!

Annabelle

Age: 12
Level: GIJO Silver

How long have you done gymnastics?
I started when I was about 10 and a half, so over a year.

What is your favorite event?
I don’t really have a favorite event, I like all of them because sometimes one can be easier than the other but they all can be challenging.

What was something you were proud of this year?
Getting my round off back handspring consistently.

What is your goal?
To keep doing gymnastics for a long time and hope I love it while I’m doing it.

When you are not at IK what do you like to do?
When I’m not at IK, well at school I do soccer and I like hanging out with my friends and I hang out with my family.

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