As summer is coming to a close and we are heading towards the 2017-2018 competitive season, we have changed up our 20 Questions Series with new questions and new athletes to get to know. Our first athlete of the new series is Future Michigan Wolverine Gabryel Wilson. Gabby Wilson, who will graduate in 2019 has had a pretty accomplished level 10 career so far earning multiple State, Regional and National titles as well as qualifying
twice to the Nastia Liukin Cup & being named to the Region 5 All Star Team, with 2 more years to go until she becomes a Wolverine. When Gabby walks onto the competition floor she exudes confidence, she is ready to come and compete. Gabby, who won the 2016 Yahtzee award for the “most power”, definitely shows that power in everything that she does from her warmup to her release moves. Let’s get to know Gabryel a little bit better as she finishes up her summer training and heads into hopefully another stellar season of JO Gymnastics.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? I got into gymnastics because I was very active kid. (3 years old) My mom heard about classes from one her hair clients. She wanted to take me somewhere I could channel my energy safely.
What is your favorite event? My favorite event is floor.
Favorite Skill to train/compete? My favorite skill to train and compete is my double lay on floor because I feel like I’m flying. It sounds cliche but that’s exactly what it feels like.
Dream Skill? My dream skill would be a double double on floor.
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is competing and getting to be part of something great.
What college do you plan on attending? I plan on attending the University of Michigan! GO BLUE!
What is your favorite meet to compete at? My favorite meet to compete at is definitely JO nationals. The Camaraderie is amazing and it’s the best meet of the year.
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? The biggest accomplishment I’ve had in 
gymnastics so far is getting a full ride scholarship to a D1 college.
Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? The person I admire most in gymnastics is Emma McLean. In my first year level 10 at the 2015 Chicago Style I wanted to qualify to the Nastia Cup very badly. I didn’t but Emma did I thought and still think she’s the coolest person ever!
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? My favorite Region 5 series is the “Eye on Five” because I like getting to know the gymnasts in region 5 more.
What is your go to playlist or song before meets? My go to playlist before a meet is my summer playlist because it makes me feel happy.
If you were trapped on a deserted island what 3 things would you take and why? I would bring a water bottle that could hold a 1,000 gallons, a bed where I would sleep and Mati Waligora so I would have someone to talk to.
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? I would be a Jaguar because their fur is beautiful and they’re fierce.
Who is your favorite superhero? My favorite superhero is Thor because he’s the only one (besides vision) who’s worthy enough to pick up the hammer.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I pray, and recite my 3 C’s (consistency, confidence and calmness)
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? I like to hang out with friends and 
family, dance and write.
Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? My most embarrassing gymnastics moment was when I was at JO camp and I was rushing to get to beam. I was running and stepped on a mat and it completely slid out from under me. It took me a while to actually fall but I fell flat on my stomach.
If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? If I wasn’t a gymnast I wouldn’t really do a sport, I would just go to Hamilton Evan’s dance clinics around the country as a hobby.
Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I respect all athletes who have an undeniable passion for their sport because I can relate to them and I know what it feels 
like.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your c
oach has given you? “In gymnastics it’s important to be able to forgive yourself.”- Lori Koch
Tell me something interesting about yourself…. In addition to my food court, I want to do something with music on the side.
Check out Gabby rocking her favorite event, the floor exercise, at the 2017 JO National Championships in Indy
