Champion USA Senior Cameron Topp has quite a unique story, which started 17 years ago in China. Cammie, who will be attending Illinois State University on a full-ride scholarship this fall, has the most beautiful and contagious smile you cannot help but want to smile, laugh and be happy when you see her walk into the room. That smile will certainly be missed on the competition floor next year as she moves onto college and begins the next chapter of her life as a Red Bird. Let’s get to know Cammi Topp a little better as she finishes out her last season with Champion USA, her long time club, & Region 5.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? My parents put me in gymnastics because I was a super hyper kid and could never sit still. I started gymnastics with “Mommy and Me” classes when I was 2 years old.
What is your favorite event? My favorite event is floor.
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is being able to do things other people can’t. Another thing I love about gymnastics is the amazing relationships you build with your coach and teammates.
What college do you plan on attending? I plan on attending Illinois State University.
What is your favorite meet to compete at? My favorite meet to compete at is our home meet, Tulip City Invitational.
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far is achieving my goal of getting a full-ride athletic scholarship.
Favorite skill to train and/or compete? My favorite skill to train is a double layout.
Dream skill? My dream skill would have to be a hindorff on bars.
Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? Something I admire about the sport of gymnastics is all the qualities it teaches you that you can use outside of the gym. Gymnastics teaches mental toughness, time management, commitment, and many other qualities you can take with you after your time as a gymnast.
What is your all-time favorite leotard? Do you still your very first leo? My favorite leotard is a purple under armor leo. I wore it so much the sparkles wore all off!! I do not have my first leotard anymore. My mom sold it on eBay. Haha
What is your favorite movie? I don’t have a favorite movie. I pretty much like everyone I watch!!
What is your go to playlist or song before meets? Whatever is on the radio. I don’t really have a go to playlist.
What do you want to be when you grow up? When I grow up I want to become a dermatologist.
Where do you go to High School? I go to Plainwell High School.
What is your favorite color? My favorite color is blue.
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? Outside of the gym I like to hang out with friends, go shopping, and watch movies.
Favorite Gymnastics Moment? My favorite gymnastics moment was making Nationals.
If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? If I didn’t do gymnastics I’d try track.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live? If I could live anywhere in the world I’d want to live in the Turks and Caicos because it’s always warm!
If you could have lunch with anyone dead or alive who would it be and why? If I could have lunch with anyone dead or alive I would choose Jesus. He would have such incredibly stories to tell.
Tell me something interesting about yourself…. I was adopted from China when I was 8 months old and had malnutrition. At 1 year I only weighed 13 pounds! I’ve made up for that now. Haha!
Check out Cameron on floor from the 2016 Region 5 Championships