Our next 20 Questions Athlete is a 2021 Graduating Senior, which is absolutely crazy, Kemeny Berthiaume of Bay Valley Academy. I have known Kemeny since about 2012 when we were both at Midland Gymnastics. I always knew Kem would achieve her collegiate goals. She always had something special about her and her gymnastics. Kemeny has always been a joy to watch with her beautiful long lines, lovely extension and calm showmanship, you could tell that from a young age that she would go far in this sport. In 2017, Kem achieved her first big goal of qualifying to the 2017 Level 9 Eastern National Championships, the following year she begin her journey as a Level 10 with goals of not only qualifying to the JO National 
Championships, but earning a spot on a collegiate gymnastics team. Kemeny, was primed and ready to make an impact in 2020, but COVID derailed every ones plans. Kemeny, who attends Western High School in Auburn Michigan, will achieved one of those goals in the fall. She will be continuing her gymnastics career at Eastern Michigan University. It has been a joy to watch Kemeny grow into the beautiful gymnast and young lady that she has become and I cannot wait to continue to follow her journey as she prepares to wrap up her club career with not only Bay Valley, but Region 5 as well. So let’s get to know Kemeny a little better as she tries one last time to earn a coveted Dream Team spot at the 2021 JO National Championships before preparing for the next chapter of her journey.
How did you get into Gymnastics? How old were you? I got into gymnastics because I was a very active baby. I started originally with a tumbling class at 4 years old.
What is your favorite event? Why? My favorite event is bars. I enjoy swinging and using upper body strength.
Favorite Skill? Dream Skill? My favorite skill is a front lay rudy. A dream
skill I have is a full in on floor.
Favorite part of Gymnastics? Why? My favorite part is competing, because I get to show all my family and friends what I have worked on.
Biggest Accomplishment in Gymnastics so far? Level 9 nationals and competing my 4th year level 10 this year.
1st thing you did when you were able to get back into the gym? Kip on bars.
Talk about returning to training post COVID, being out for so long (how long?) The struggles, successes, how long it took to get skills back and how it was adjusting to our new normal. The first month was definitely a struggle with soreness and getting back strength, flexibility, and cardio. It took me about a month and a half to fully maintain what I was working on before. I seemed to adjust better than what I was expecting.
Most embarrassing meet or training meet? Falling on my butt after a great floor routine on my last pass.
Something you have learned from Gymnastics that you will take with you? I’ve learned how to be a leader, and many life lessons from my coaches I will remember forever.
Who is your biggest role model? Why? My biggest role model is my Dad because he can always find a positive way to put something and always makes me laugh and have a good time.
What is something that sets your gym and/or your team part? Something that sets my team apart from others is the bond we have between the girls. We all understand each other and can talk about whatever and know we will be supported and encouraged throughout the whole way. 
What is your role on your Level 10 Team or you role in your gym in general? I am considered a leader. I try to show leadership to the upcoming gymnast who will soon hold my spot. I try to encourage and show hard work to inspire them to do the same
Most memorable Gymnastics moment? A memorable moment I had was in Level 10 hitting a 9.55 on beam the last meet before everything was shut down.
How would you explain the year 2020 to your future children/grandchildren? I would explain 2020 was a definite blow and ruined a lot of sports.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coaches have given you? Hard work beats talent every time
How did you stay motivated during your COVID Quarantine time out of the gym? Our coaches held zooms at times to work out most days and gave us encouragement and told us this could actually be a good thing for us.
Do you have a nickname? If so, what is it? What is the story behind it? Yes. My nickname is Kem. I´ve been called that since it was a little easier for people to pronounce then Kemeny.
What really makes you laugh? What really makes me laugh is when my family and I go on a vacation and not everything goes as planned and people start to argue. 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? Why? If i could have a superpower it would be to fly. This is because flying places and being able to be weightless would be amazing.
What is a question not on this list that should have been? What is your favorite meet you have ever competed at? My favorite meet I ever competed at was the Khalari meet in Ohio. It was always a great facility and their equipment was nice.
Bonus Question: Tell us something interesting about yourself……….. I love to bake and make cool foods.
