Competition season has kicked off in many states around Region 5 virtually and in-person. Illinois was at the forefront of virtual competition hosting many in the state in December. Our next 20 questions athlete is a 2021 Senior from Aspire Gymnastics Academy. Sara Wabi, who will be heading to Illinois State in the fall, started her last competition season virtually with her gyms hosted meet the Aspire Classic. Sara is a beautiful athlete to watch with exceptional form and unique skills. Sara has been nominated for a few different R5 Yahtzee Awards for multiple categories. I love watching Sara perform especially on floor, but it is her double front bar dismount that really sets her apart, I really hope she keeps this dismount for college. Sara has always been on my “one’s to watch” list, I am hoping that we can continue to have a season here in Region 5 to allow these seniors a chance to qualify to Nationals in Daytona Beach Florida in May and cap off their club careers in a positive way before starting a new chapter in the fall. Let’s get to know Sara little better as she swings her way through the season to graduation and then the next adventure on her journey.
How did you get into Gymnastics? How old were you? I got into gymnastics at at the age of 2. My mom put me in the mom and tot classes and I have stuck with it ever since.
What is your favorite event? Why? My favorite event is bars.I love the feeling of flying and swinging and it has always come to me naturally.
Favorite Skill? Dream Skill? My favorite skill is definitely a front double full punch front on floor. My dream skill is a layout yeager on bars.
Favorite part of Gymnastics? Why? My favorite part of gymnastics is 
being able to do what I love with my best friends. I also love competing because I finally get to show off for all of my hard work.
Biggest Accomplishment in Gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplish so far is receiving a scholarship to continue my gymnastics career at Illinois State University. I have always dreamed of doing college gymnastics and I am finally getting closer to that dream.
Most embarrassing meet or training meet? My most embarrassing meet would have to be the Grand Invitational Meet in California. I face-planted on vault and fell twice on bars (oops).
What is something you have learned from Gymnastics that you will take with you once you leave the sport? I have learned many things from gymnastics. One thing I will always take with me is you have to work for what you want. You can’t sit back and expect it to happen, you have to go out and chase your dreams and never stop.
Who is your biggest role model? Why? My biggest role models are my parents. They work so hard to keep me in the sport that I love and they support me no matter what. They are both kind, funny, hardworking, and loving, and I aspire to be just like them.
What are you most looking forward to in your senior year in 
gymnastics & high school? In my senior year of gymnastics I am looking forward to finishing out my club experience and doing it with the people that inspire me to work harder everyday. In school, I am looking forward to finishing my last semester of high school strong and getting in one last year with my friends before I head off to college.
What college will you be attending in the fall? I will be attending Illinois State University. Why did you choose that school? I chose this school because of their academics, the amazing coaching staff and team, the wonderful facilities and beautiful campus. What are you most looking forward to about college & college gymnastics? I am looking forward to finally competing at the collegiate level and making life long memories with my future team.
What is something that sets your gym and/or your team part? Something that sets my team apart from the rest is we are like sisters. Everyone is there for each other and it is one big family. We always have each others backs.
What is your role on your Level 10 Team or your role in your gym in general? The seniors and I’s roles are to be there for the younger kids. They look up to us and we have to be the best leaders possible.
What is your most memorable Gymnastics moment? My most 
memorable gymnastics moment is winning first place on floor at 2019 Regionals. This was an amazing feeling that I will never forget.
What are your goals for this season? My goals for this season are to have fun in my last season and just strive to be the best version of myself.
How would you explain the year 2020 to your future children/ grandchildren? I would describe 2020 as the craziest year, but the year where we learn to be grateful for every opportunity we get.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coaches have given you? The most valuable piece of advice my coaches have given me is not everyday or not every skill is going to be perfect. Everything is what you make of it. As long as you are trying your hardest, everyday is a good day.
Do you have a nickname? If so what is it? What is the story behind it? My nickname is either Sar or Wabi. There really is no stories behind these because Sar is my name without the last letter and Wabi is my last name!
What really makes you laugh? Something that makes me laugh is 
hanging out with my friends. My friends are the funniest people I have ever met, so everyday is a new adventure with them.
If you could have any super power what would it be? Why? If I had a superpower, I would pick to read minds. I would choose this because I always want to know what other people are thinking and I think it would be super cool.
What motivates you to keep going everyday? Some things that motivate me are knowing the little girls are looking up to me and having my guardian angel (Maddie “Maddog” Grobmeier) watching over me everyday!
Bonus Question: Tell us something interesting about yourself………..I was a child model and I was even in the American Girl Doll magazine!
