Our next 20 Questions Feature Athlete is 1st Time JO National Qualifier Sage Kellerman of All American Flames in Port Huron, Michigan. Sage is a 2nd year level 10 who has made huge improvements all over the gym in the last year. What I like most about this athlete is her tenacity, determination, work ethic and her ability to have fun! On the competition floor you can usually catch Sage with a smile on her face, she is a great teammate and support system for those around her. It is always a joy to watch this athlete especially on vault and floor where she really excels. Sage is young, so she had many more years with us here in Region 5 and many a few more opportunities to qualify again to the JO National Championships. Lets get to know Sage a little better as she heads into the summer training season and prepares for another run at the Region 5 JO National Dream Team.
How did you get into Gymnastics? How old were you? I took my very first gymnastics class before I was 2 years old, but I only did a couple sessions. Then I took a break and when I was in preschool, I asked my parents if I could sign up for classes again. I was 4 at the time.
What is your favorite events? I honestly do not have a FAVORITE at this time. Each event is fun for me in a different way.
Favorite skill to train/compete? My favorite skill to train/compete is my Jaeger.
Dream Skill? My dream skills is a Deltchev
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of the gymnastics is the team aspect, which is really important to me. I love the way we bond, challenge and encourage each other. The coaches, too, they keep things interesting as they help us become better people…not just gymnasts.
What college do you plan on attending? There are many colleges that I am interested in at this time. I think it would be fun to go to Oklahoma, LSU or Florida.
What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why? I like Gymnastics on the Grand. It is the first meet of the season and it is where I get my bearings for the season ahead. I also love the event finals.
Biggest accomplishment in Gymnastics so far? Aside from qualifying for JO Nationals, one of my biggest accomplishments is having and “E” skill on Bars.
Who do you most admire in the sport of Gymnastics? I admire my coaches because they teach me everything.
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? I like the Live Stream so that we can watch our friends when we cannot be at their meets.
What is your go to playlist or song before meets? An assortment of Christian Rap
3 Things you could not live without? 3 things I could not live without would be my family, sports and food.
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? If I was an animal I would be a Siberian Husky because they are fast, strong, loyal and have the best personalities.
5 Most important or must have items in your gym bag? The 5 most important or must have items in my gym bag would be 1. Hair Ties 2. Leotard 3. Deodorant 4. Snacks 5. Water
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? On the way to every meet, I stop at Starbucks for the “Pink Drink” and arrive at the meet early.
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? Outside of Gymnastics I like to run track, play games with my family, play with my dogs and hang out with friends.
Most embarrassing meet moment or Gymnastics moment? My most embarrassing gymnastics moment happened when I was in first grade. I got out of the car at gymnastics practice, my mom warned me that it was slippery, but I thought it would be fun to dance on the ice to show her I wouldn’t fall and I ended up with a broken thumb from wiping out. I learned a lesson about disobedience.
If you weren’t a Gymnast, what sport would you do or try? I would play volleyball and dedicate more time to track.
Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I respect any athlete that stands up for what is right and works to impact the world in a positive way. I admire the way they inspire other athletes.
Most memorable Gymnastics or JO Nationals moment? My most memorable gymnastics moment to date is making Level 10 JO Nationals for the first time.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you? The most valuable advice my coaches have given me is to Never Give Up!
Bonus Question: Tell me something interesting about yourself…….I am well know for asking “what’s for dinner?” Honey Walnut Shrimp from Panda Express sounds GREAT!