Summer 2003

How old were you at each level? - Lizzie.
I began gymnastics on a tumble bus program when I was 3 years old. I first competed when I was 5 in a recreational program. Then:

level 5 - 7 years old
br> level 6 - 8 years old skipped level 7
level 8 - 9 years old
level 9 - 10 years old
level 10 - 11 years old

What is your worst injury? - Katie, age 9.
I had stress fracture in my back when I was 12, I only did like 2 meets and then I moved to GAGE and tested elite when I was 14

Hi Sarah!I love your floor routine! I know you don't have a lot of time but I was wondering if you like to answer fan mail? - Mary, age 18.
I love it when I get fan mail!! It makes me feel so special. I do try to answer the mail when I have time. And thanks so much for liking my floor routine!!

What do you think is your best event at gymnastics? And, do you get nervous at meets? Thanks!
Wow, my best event...I think vault, although I would also say floor too. I think I have to work hard on all of my events! Do I get nervous??? Yeah, but I really try not to show it and just smile and have fun!

Sarah, how d'you get along with your teammates and have you ever had fights with them? If so, how did you guys make up? Thanks, it's just that I am having problems.
I think all of us get along really well. But, we do spend so much time together that sometimes we fight like sisters!! If we have problems, we usually talk to each other and help each other. We know that we need each other to push us and to make us better.

What do you like to do most in the gym? - Hannah
Tumbling on the rod floor and learning new skills.

What is your worst injury? - Katie
Wow, the worst injury that I have had was a stress fracture in my 5th lumbar vertebra. I hurt it before level 10 Nationals and competed with it fractured. I was in back brace for 4 months and couldn't do any gymnastics. I still went to the gym and stretched and did some ballet. I also swam. I took off the next year from competition and just trained after I got out of the back brace.

Are there any skills that you are working to get your routines and bonus that you need for that 10.0 plus extra points? - Kenneth
Yeah, I am trying to upgrade all my routines. I am working on new tumbling for floor ( double arabian, whip triple full and full-outs. I am also working on new leaps and jump combinations. On bars I am working eagle 1 1/2 and also working double double dismounts into the pit. On beam, I have working back handspring, back full and also working on new jumps and leaps. I have been working yurchenko double fulls.