Gymnastics Star, Kiley!
Meet Kiley, gymnastics diva and Extraordinary You girl for the month of June. Kiley is a busy Jr. High student and also manages a busy training schedule that makes our heads spin. How does she do it all?
How did you become involved in gymnastics? How old were you?
I first became involved in gymnastics in kindergarten. Our grade did a circus performance and I was chosen to be an acrobat. This began my interest in gymnastics at six years old.
What are you focusing on right now in your training?
I am focusing on my level 5 routines and skills for my upcoming fall competition season. Some of those skills include a fly away on bars, a front handspring on vault, front tucks, and round off back handspring back tuck on floor. On beam, my back walk over and back handsprings.
You’re a busy Jr. High student. What is your weekly schedule like and how do you fit in studying and friends with your training?
Right now I train five days a week for a total of 20 hours. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 5-9 pm and 11:30-3:30 pm on Saturdays. I come home from school and immediately start my school work. My goal is to always finish it before gym starts, as I usually don’t get in bed till about 10 pm. My teachers have been so great to let me use lunch time to get extra help or get caught up. I also work hard to use the weekends to get ahead on school work.
I can sometimes spend time with my friends on Wednesdays, but I mostly hang out with gym friends on weekends because we have the same schedule. Many sleepovers start at 9:00pm on a Friday!
Gymnastics routines are so amazing to watch, but we know how hard it can be on the body. How do you help ease the strain on your body?
I have had several injuries that have required me to limit my training for up to six weeks and even wear a boot in the gym. I do regular visits to the chiropractor, massage therapist, and have been seeing a physical therapist for a torn muscle on my inner thigh for the past 6 weeks.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in being a gymnast?
As I have advanced in levels, the skills that are required become more intense and difficult. They can be very scary and take a lot of practice to master.
Where do your gymnastics dreams take you? Tell us about what you’d like to pursue in the future.
I would like to continue gymnastics through college and eventually become a gymnastics coach.
Wow, Kiley, we think that’s a fabulous idea and a worthwhile dream to pursue! Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse into your exciting world. We wish you the best and will be following your progress and cheering you on!