Introducing the Newsletter!
This month we would like to officially introduce IKGym's monthly newsletter. Here you will be able to find Gym updates, Star of the Gym Series, and more!
Interview
Helen Hu
We are so proud to spotlight a very hard working, talented, long-time team member, Helen Hu! Helen currently holds the Team Leadership award that was passed to her by Olivia Karas (USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic All-around National Champion 2014). Olivia was Irina’s team leader for 9 years before graduating and continuing her career on University of Michigan’s gymnastics team. ⭐ Helen has not only had a high achieving, successful gymnastics career, but has proved to be a strong, positive role model for our young athletes! ⭐ I had the opportunity to interview Helen about her experiences and thoughts about leadership and team loyalty.
Q: What did it mean to you to be awarded the IK Leadership Cup and to be appointed the next IK Team Leader?
A: I was surprised when I was awarded with the IK Leadership Cup. To be honest, I didnt know the leadership cup existed before I was given it, but it definitely fit its last owner, Olivia Karas. I always thought of her as a leader, so I was honored to receive the same award as Olivia.
Q: What are the necessary qualities an IK Leader needs to possess?
A: Not sure, I think as long as the leader is someone who sets a good example both as a person and as a gymnast.
Q: What leadership lessons did you learn from Olivia?
A: Olivia use to occasionally to tell the team to get to work without being rude, but having a sense of authority. I use to wonder how she did that, I think its partially because she wasnt just telling us what to do, but did it herself. I think understanding how to find a balance between leadership and teammate is what I learned from Olivia.
Q: Do you feel any pressure or overwhelming expectations to uphold your leadership role?
A: Not really. I think just being one of the oldest gymnasts on the team, I automatically have responsibility in keeping the younger ones in check. So I think of my responsibilities as more of an age factor than being the team leader.
Q: Why is it important for the next generation of gymnasts to have a role model and leader ahead of them?
A: You can always have a role model or someone you admire that is famous, someone like Nastia Liukin or Simone Biles, but its important to have a role model closer to you in life. I know because while I admired olympians, gymnasts like Olivia or [other previous team member] Gabi [Cooke], made a much bigger impact on me. Being able to see them everyday in the gym, making progress, or getting through injuries is inspiring and gives me real hope that I can one day be like them. Just like now, every single one of my teammates have seen me struggle and succeed.
Q: What do you hope the next generation of IK gymnasts will remember about you?
A: Someone that they can look up to, I guess.
Q: I know you have been on Irina’s team for a while now. What would you tell the younger generation of gymnasts about importance of team loyalty?
A: I would suggest that younger gymnasts stay loyal to their teams and make an effort to get to know the coaches and bond with their teammates. Over time the gym will feel like a second family.
Interview completed by Jess Graff
Star of the Gym
We are so excited to launch the newest segment #StarOfTheGymSunday … where we will feature one athlete per week from different teams, ages, classes, and levels! We want to celebrate these stories and journeys of the amazing kids that fill our gym!
Amy B.
Evan K.
Helen H.
Sadie L.
Bennet B.
Gabi F.
Leilani P.
Sasha B.
Caroline Z.
Gabriela G.
Morgan S.
Sophia D.