presented by: 
Our next 20 Questions Athlete is an absolute favorite of mine. Sidney Washington, of Gym America in Michigan, is such a wonderful presence in the gym and on the competition floor she has a great personality, a huge smile while out competing and just absolutely seems to love what she is doing. I was so bummed last year when she did not make JO Nationals, this athlete is truly something special. Sidney, however went big this weekend and earned herself a spot on the Junior F Dream Team that will represent Region 5 in a few weeks in Indianapolis, Indiana at the 2019 JO National Championships. Sidney who is a sophomore in High School has a few more years with us here in Region 5 before she goes off and conquers college gymnastics, because she will be a huge asset to any college team, so let’s get to know Sidney a little bit better as she prepares for her first JO National Championships.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? I was about 3 years old when my friend and I wanted to hang out more, so our parents put us in gymnastics together.
What is your favorite event? A lot of people ask me this question, and my answer is “I 
don’t really have one they’re all challenging, but they are all fun in their own way.”
Favorite Skill to train/compete? My favorite skill would probably be my shaposh ½ on bars.
Dream Skill? My dream skill is a Double full on vault.
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is seeing my best friends every day, and Ed’s warm-ups.
What college do you plan on attending? Why? I plan on going to any college that is interested in me, because I feel like it’s important to be open with as many options as possible.
What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why? One of my favorite meets is Chicago Style because of the leotards/American Girl Store (in like level 4), or Coaches Spectacular because I’ve been competing in that meet since level 4.
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My most recent accomplishment in 
my opinion was winning the All-Around at States. (These questions were filled out before the Region 5 Championship, this past weekend Sidney qualified for her first JO Nationals)
Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? Why?
I admire the amount of hard-work and dedication a person has to have in order to do this sport, along with teaching valuable life lessons, and dealing with mental blocks.
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series?
My favorite would probably be the bloopers because it let’s other gymnast look make and laugh about their mistakes.
What is your go to playlist or song before meets? My go to song before meets is You Can’t Stop Me by Andy Mineo, because it really pumps you up with energy and good vibes.
3 Things you could not live without? 3 things I could not live without are my cats, food, and my friends and family.
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? I would want to 
be a cat because they nap all day, and they get to do whatever they want because they have that “I’m in charge, I am the boss of everything” mentality.
5 Most Important or Must have Items in your gym bag? The 5 most important or must have items in my gym bag are extra leotards, deodorant, tacky towel, extra hair ties, grips/wrist guards/knee brace.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I usually say a quick prayer before the competition begins just to get my mind in the right place.
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics?
I like to hang out with friends, go out to shop or watch movies, but most importantly binge on Netflix with my cats.
Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? When I hardcore split
the beam at States.
If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? If I weren’t a gymnast I would try Volleyball because it seems fun.
What are you most looking forward to this competition session? Competing with former teammates, and having a good time with my buddies
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you? “When all else fails… do better” ~ Brian Zook, “Go out there and compete free” ~ Claudia Kretschmer
Bonus Question: Tell me something interesting about yourself….I am currently in an all girls choir named Colla Voce, and that’s pretty fun.
