Our Next 20 Questions Athlete hails from Phenom Gymnastics in Illinois. Haley Tyson who is the currently 2018 JO National Floor Champion, has been a Level 10 for 2 years and has qualified to JO Nationals both years. Haley is an incredible talent with big skills all around the gym. For me this athlete kind of flew under the radar last year, but this year definitely made her name known. She is a powerful athlete who always has a smile on her face on the competition floor. Not only did Haley pickup a gold medal on floor at Nationals she was also part of the winning Junior E Team. Lets get to know Haley a little bit better as she finishes up her summer training and heads towards her 3rd level 10 season and her 3rd run at the JO National Championships.
What is your favorite event? My favorite event is bars because I love the feeling of flying through the air.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? I was five years old and my best friend invited me to “bring your friend to practice day”.
Favorite Skill to train/compete? My favorite skills to train are the Ray on bars and the Yurchenko 1.5
Dream Skill? My dream skill would be a full twisting double layout on floor
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is being able to practice and compete with my friends.
What college do you plan on attending? I am currently undecided.
What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why? Bravo classic! It is so much fun to have all your teammates cheering for you. I also love JO nationals because it is an amazing experience and tons of fun.
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? Making the JO National team my first two years in level 10 and winning floor at the 2018 JO nationals.
Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? I most admire Aly Raisman because she is a leader in all aspects and an amazing gymnast.
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? Region 5 all access because I like to see what other gyms do and what they are training.
What is your go to playlist or song before meets? I don’t have a specific playlist but I like to listen to “todays hits” on the way to meets
3 Things you could not live without? Family, friends, and my phone. In that order
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? I would be a Monkey because I could swing around in the trees every day.
5 Most Important or Must have Items in your gym bag? The most important items are grips, water bottle, tiger balm, heel pads, and hair ties.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? Some of my pre-meet rituals are: I eat pasta the night before, I wear the same socks, and I like to do my hair the same for every meet.
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? I like to hang out with family and friends. I also like to go shopping and take family vacations.
Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? In level four after finishing my beam routine I saluted in the wrong direction! All while the coach was trying to signal to me to turn around.
If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? I would like to try track and field or diving.
Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I respect all athletes that give 100% every day to be the best they can be.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you? The best advice I have gotten is to trust the process and believe in your ability
Bonus Question:Tell me something interesting about yourself…. I have family in Iceland. I don’t like mint or carbonated drinks. I also love cereal!
Check Out Haleys JO Nationals Gallery Below
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