“As sand through the hourglass, these are the days of our lives” I think this accurately describes the never-ending Corona Quarantine. However, Corona Quarantine will not stop us here at the Region 5 Insider from still bringing you all your favorite Gymnastics content from around our great Region!
So here on Taco Tuesday, we will continue our 20 Questions Feature with 3 Time JO National Qualifier & 2018 Best Bar Combo Yahtzee Award winner Katie Harper! Katie is one of my favorite athletes to watch especially on Uneven Bars! She has always had unique Uneven Bar skills, such as her low bar giant to hop-full that is performed in 2017. In 2020, Katie has definitely grown little bit, making her bars that much more beautiful to watch with her newly added height! I absolutely love watching taller athletes swing bars, their extension is exquisite. Before 2020 was cancelled, Katie was definitely on my list for “ones to watch” heading into Regionals, however we never made it that far but I am positive Katie would of made her 4th JO National Championships.
Looking towards the future expect Katie to make a huge impact and make a run at the 2021 JO National Championships. As we all continue to workout in backyards & basements, let’s get to know Katie Harper a little better as she gets ready to hopefully get in the gym this summer.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? I was always flipping around at home, so my parents decided I needed to try gymnastics. I started classes when I was two and started competing when I was five.
What is your favorite event? Why? My favorite event is bars because I love swinging and trying new skills.
Favorite Skill to train/compete? Why? My favorite skill to train/compete is a giant-full to a full-in on bars. I like how unique it is and how they flow together.
Dream Skill? My dream skill is a Ray on bars.
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is spending so much time with my teammates and competing for Region 5 at nationals.
What college do you plan on attending? I am undecided at this point, however it is my goal to compete at a collegiate level.
What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why My favorite meet to compete at is J.O Nationals because I get to meet so many people and the energy while competing makes it much more enjoyable.
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplishment in gymnastics is making it to J.O Nationals three years in a row.
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? My favorite Region 5 Insider Feature is the All Access Workout.
What kinds of things really make you laugh? My friends and TikTok always 
make me laugh!
3 Things you could not live without? I could not live without my friends, family and coffee!
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? If I could be any animal I would be a cat because they can sleep all day!
Thoughts on the 2019-2020 Season ending like it did? I am very sad about how the season ended because I was excited and prepared for a great States, Regionals and Nationals. However, I understand that it is to keep everyone safe and healthy.
What are you doing to keep up your training during Corona Quarantine? I workout everyday to stay active during Quarantine. I have been running and doing pilates with my dad and sister also!
What do you miss most about gymnastics during this time? I miss being able to flip everyday and seeing all of my teammates.
What is the first thing you want to do once you can get back to gym & 
training? When we can get back into the gym I am going to train very hard and be patient with myself as I get everything back to normal.
Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? My most embarrassing meet moment was my first year level 10 when I peeled after my low bar hop-full.
Do you have a nickname? If so what Is the story behind it? My coach sometimes calls me “Mad Cat” because I get very serious when I’m focused.
Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I respect Lebron James because of his incredible ability and his contributions to the community.
Something you learned from Gymnastics that you will take with you? Something that I have learned and will take away from Gymnastics is to focus on the details.
Most Memorable Gymnastics or Nationals Moment? One of my most memorable moments in gymnastics was scoring a 9.85 on bars at the 2019 regionals and placing first!
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given
you? The most valuable piece of advice my coach has ever given me is to be patient with myself.
Bonus Question: Tell me something interesting about yourself…. Something interesting about me is I love to travel!
