Last week, I had the opportunity to interview 7th grader Morgan Robins about her gymnastics career. This January, Morgan placed 7th in her skill group at the MetroPlex National Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, where over 2,000 of the best gymnasts compete every year. This talented gymnast has reached level 9 in gymnastics and she only has to complete this level as well as level 10 to make elite. To watch a video of Morgan’s stunning performance on bars, click here.
Q. At what age did you start gymnastics? How did you choose the sport?
I started when I was around 3 at Jodi’s Gym where I learned the basics. At age 6 I went to Chelsea Piers, and I joined the team there. When I was younger, I was put in many classes for different sports, and I eventually eliminated most of them sports and ended up with gymnastics
Q. What do you like about gymnastics?
I like the challenge of getting everything right, and I like how much work and effort you have to put into the sport to get things done.
Q. Could you tell us a little bit about your coaches and choreographers?
Recently I switched from Chelsea Piers to NYC Elite where the coaches are much better. They have two coaches – one for vault and bars and one for beam and floor. The beam and floor coach also works as a choreographer.
Q. How often do you practice?
I practice 4 hours, 5 days a week, but sometimes I have extra hours.
Q. What is your favorite event?
My favorite event has always been the bars, and it has recently become my best event.
Q. Are you working on new elements/combinations that you would like to include in your routine?
In gymnastics you are always working on upgrades and more advanced move. Right now, I’m working on releases on bars and stuff, but that probably won’t be included in my routine until next year.
Q. Can you talk a little about the requirements you needed in order to advance to level 9?
To go to level 9 have to get a 34 in all-around in level 8, and have to have the skill requirements. One of them is an element on bars that goes from high bar to low bar.
Q. What are your aims as a gymnast for 2011 and for the coming years?
I definitely won’t be able to compete in the Olympics in 2012, but I would love to compete in the 2016 Olympics. I definitely want to make elite, though.
Q. Do you consider gymnastics to be a physical sport as well as a mental sport?
Gymnastics is very physical, but you have to get over everything with your mind, and you have to convince yourself that you can do it, too. There are a lot of mental challenges.
Q. Do you have a role model in gymnastics?
Yes, Svetlana Khorkina – she’s a Russian gymnast. She won silver for the all-around in the 2004 Olympics. She is also one of the tallest gymnasts at 5’5″. I’m considered a tall gymnast as well since most gymnasts are four feet something.
Q. Do you feel a lot of pressure from your parents or coaches? Does this motivate you to do better?
Well, one of the coaches is almost like my best friend. He motivates me to keep going for harder stuff and to stay positive which really helps me.
Q. What do you like to do when you’re not practicing?
There’s not a lot of time when I’m not practicing, but I like to go to the movies. On Saturday nights I do a science project with one friend. We usually invite another one of her friends over, and we have dinner at a restaurant. I really enjoy going to dinner with them since it’s a lot of fun. It’s also new for me to experience all of this.
Congratulations, Morgan, on all of your accomplishments and good luck!!