Continuing our Level 9 Eastern Nationals Coverage our next 20 Questions Athlete is the 2019 Junior 5 Level 9 Eastern National Champion. Breelyn Rickey, a first year level 9, from Perfection Gymnastics in Cincinnati Ohio took the top spot in her age group while not feeling 100% (read below to find out why). I absolutely loved watching Breelyn compete at the 2019 Eastern National Championships, her presence on the Balance Beam was captivating, she moved sharp and confidently throughout the routine finishing with a beautiful Cartwheel Layout Full dismount. However, it is her Bar Routine that provides the most entertainment because of her unorthodox dismount! Breelyn, who placed 3rd on the Bars at Easterns, performs the giant swing to handstand snap down back tuck dismount, which is always incredible to watch. Breelyn, not yet in high school, has a bright future ahead of her in the sport of Gymnastics. I definitely look forward to watching this young athlete group and progress, she will definitely be a future “one to watch” I am sure. As summer ends and fall begins let’s get to know Breelyn a little better as she heads into her first year of Level 10 and a run at the 2020 JO National Championships.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you?I was 6 years old when I 
started gymnastics and I wanted to do it because my sister did it.
What is your favorite event? My favorite event is beam.
Favorite Skill to train/compete? My favorite skill to compete this year was a yurchenko layout.
Dream Skill?My dream skill would be a Ray on bars.
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? I like the feeling of working hard and seeing my friends everyday
What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why? My favorite meet is Nashville nights because I like the environment of the meet.
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? Winning my first level 9 eastern nationals.
Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? Aly Raisman because she’s an amazing gymnast but she’s also a strong woman and stands up for herself.
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? My favorite Region 5 Series or Feature is 20 question Tuesday!
What is your go to playlist or song before meets? I don’t really have a song or playlist but I do have a confidence audio that I listen to the night before a meet to calm my nerves.
3 Things you could not live without? I couldn’t live without Family, dogs and 
popcorn.
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? I would be a bird because I would get to see the world through different perspectives and I would get to travel for free!
5 Most Important or Must have Items in your gym bag? I always bring an extra leo, ponytail holders, tape, pre-wrap, and a snack for after practice.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I listen to my confidence audio, I always use the same ponytail holders and I always do the same makeup routine.
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? Outside of gymnastics I like to play the piano, swim and shop.
Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? At level 5 state on floor I did my split with the wrong leg so the rest of my routine was off!
If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? If I was not gymnast I
would do lacrosse or volleyball.
How does it feel to be a Level 9 Eastern National Champion? It feels great! Last year I didn’t compete all events as a level 9 and it’s amazing to see all the commitment and perseverance pay off. I couldn’t have done it without my amazing coaches and parents.
Most Memorable Gymnastics or JO Nationals Moment? My most memorable meet moment was hitting my bar routine and matching my season high score.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you? “Be in the now” because when you’re at meets you don’t want to think about how good or bad your practice was yesterday you want to “Be in the now” and show off your best routine.
Bonus Question: Tell me something interesting about yourself…. I actually competed nationals with strep throat.
