Our next 20 Questions athlete is Madeline Kees, a 2x JO National Qualifier, from Energym in Illinois. Prior to Level 10 Madeline had a very successful Level 9 career making 2 Eastern National appearances and earning National Champion honors on the Floor Exercise. Moving to Level 10 in 2017 she qualified to JO Nationals her first year out. Madeline, who hails from a Energym in Illinois, keeps herself busy during the season not only competing at the top Level for Energym, but also her High School Gymnastics Team that in 2019 took Regional Team Champion honors. Let’s get to know Madeline a little better as she ends her summer training and journey’s down the path to a 3rd JO Nationals Dream Team.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? I was 3 years old when my dad enrolled me into a toddler class because I was always energetic and needed a place to put that energy into. I’ve loved it ever since.
What is your favorite event? My favorite event is Beam because it’s the most challenging and I love that.
Favorite Skill to Train/Compete? My favorite skill to train is a front aerial because there’s so many skills you can connect out of it. My favorite skill to compete is a half in half out dismount off bars because it’s the best feeling to land.
Dream Skill? My dream skill is a Double Double off bars
What is your favorite part of Gymnastics? My favorite part about gymnastics is all the amazing friends and opportunities it has given me.
What college will you be attending attending and why? I am currently undecided
What is your favorite meet to compete at and why? My favorite meet to compete at is JO Nationals because I love rooming with the girls, the all around energy of the meet, and it feels like all my hard work has paid off.
What has been your biggest accomplishment in Gymnastics so far? Qualifying to JO Nationals my first year as a level 10.
What is your favorite Region 5 Feature or Series? My favorite region 5 series is the all access workout because it’s cool to see how other gyms train.
What is your go-to playlist or song before meets? My go-to song before meets is “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor
What are 3 things you could not live without? 3 things I could not live without are my Friends/Family, Netflix, and Chocolate.
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? I would be a dog because they are always too full of energy and are just so so cute.
What are the 5 Most Important or Must Have items in your gym bag? 5 must haves in my gym bag are Tape, Pre wrap, Headphones, a snack, and my water bottle.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? Before each Regional meet I always have to have a steak with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.
What do you like to do outside of the gym? Outside of gym I like to hang out with my friends and ride my bike.
What is your most embarrassing gym or meet moment? My most embarrassing moment at a meet was at level 7 state we were doing march in and they had a red carpet since it was a hollywood theme. They called out my team and as I was running I tripped on the red carpet and fell flat on my face in front of everyone.
If you were not a Gymnast, what sport would you try and why? If I wasn’t in gymnastics I would do Softball 18) I respect all athletes because they all are passionate about what they do and try their hardest day in and day out.19) One thing I learned from gymnastics is to trust the process of things because in the end everything will work out.
Most memorable moment in Gymnastics so far? Most memorable gymnastics moment was either winning floor at Easterns or qualifying to JO Nationals for the first time.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom you have received from your coach? The most valuable piece of advice a coach has given me was that mindset is the key to what you want to achieve.
Bonus Question: Tell me something interesting about yourself…Fun Fact about me is that my mom and I share the same birthday.
