Our next 20 Questions Athlete is Aubrey Patterson of Michigan Elite Gymnastics Academy in Novi, Michigan. I first heard about Aubrey in 2017 when at 10 year old she was called up from an alternate position to compete as part of the Level 9 Region 5 Junior 1 Team. I thought it was so incredible that this young athlete was able to step up with very short notice and deliver in such a big way. After this moment I absolutely knew that little Aubrey was 
definitely going to be “one to watch” in the years to come. Aubrey not only is an incredible Level 9, but she is also a HOPES athlete trying to go down the elite track. Aubrey is such a joy to watch on the competition floor, especially during her floor routine, she just makes you smile, you can definitely tell she loves what she is doing out there and doing it with pure joy in her heart. I cannot wait to continue to follow this incredible athlete and see what gymnastics has in store for her. Aubrey certainly is the future of Region 5 Gymnastics.
How did you get into Gymnastics? How old were you? I first stepped foot in the gym for a Parent Tot Class as soon as I could walk. When I was 5 years old I competed in my first fun meet. I wanted a medal so badly! You could say that MEGA has been my second home ever since.
What is your favorite event? Floor is probably my favorite events. I love to dance and perform my routine. Especially this year, I really love my floor 
routine this year!
Favorite Skill to Train/Compete? My favorite skill to train/compete is Front Aerials on Beam, they look pretty and I feel like I am flying!
Dream Skill? There are a lot of skills that I want, but a double layout on floor is something I can’t wait to get into my floor routine.
What is our favorite part of Gymnastics? Gymnastics is an amazing sport. The thrill of flipping upside-down on a 4″ beam is incredible! Getting to spend days and nights with my teammates, traveling with them to different states and even countries. Nothing compares to working hard and getting your butt kicked with your teammates and friends.
What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why? Eastern Nationals is my favorite meet to compete at. Region 5 is a great Region to be a part of . From the moment we practiced together at training to walking onto the competition floor for march-in with flashing glasses, we made memories that we will never forget.
Biggest accomplishment in Gymnastics so far? I am really proud of all my accomplishments in the sport! One that stands out is when my coaches told me that I made TOPs A Camp for the 2nd time! To make it even more 
exciting everyone crowded in my hotel room at bar camp (on my birthday weekend) and my coaches told me that I made it!
Who do you most admire in the Sport of Gymnastics? Madison Kocian is the gymnast that I admire the most because she pushed through injuries to pursue her dream of being and Olympian. I love watching her on bars and I still enjoy watching her today with the amazing UCLA Team.
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? The Region 5 All Access is my favorite series to watch. It’s fun to see all the different gyms in Region 5 training and watching the different drills that they do.
What is your go to playlist or song before meets? Most of the time I need to be pumped up before a meet so I listen to songs like “Unstoppable” by the Score and “Believer” by Imagine Dragons”. It may sound silly but my teammates and I love listening to “Love Doesn’t Stand a Chance” from the TV Series Once Upon a Time! We love singing loudly and dancing to this song!
3 Things you could not live without? I could not live without my family, they make me laugh, take care of me, and make sure that I get picked up from practice (LOL)! I also need my phone so I can listen to my music. Most importantly I could not survive without fluffy,, soft blankets (I have 9 in my bed!)
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? A
Unicorn of course! Unicorns are unique, graceful, special and loved by everyone! I mean, who doesn’t love Unicorns.
5 Most Important or Must Have Items in you gym bag? My gym bag is full of important things, I have to have my gym journal, chapstick, my oils, my Doc Ali Tight Mind Tool Deck and my fuzzy blanket!
Do you have pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I always have to have my hair in a side braid (from my left to right) pulled back into a bun! So after my hair is finished my coaches tell me to wake up extra early so my body can “wake up!”. Before I go out on the floor I put my oils and I am ready to go!
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? I love to play games with my family! We like to play Scattergories and Clue. I also like to play flag football with my little brother (in the family room of course!)
Most embarrassing meet or gymnastics moment? When I was a little Level 3 I was competing a handstand flat back and I did not make it to the handstand let alone finish the Vault!
If you weren’t a Gymnast, what sport would you do or try? Baseball!!!!! We play family baseball and I am the designated hitter!
Which athletes (any sports) do you respect the most an why? Any athlete that has ever overcome something that they never thought they could overcome! These athletes prove that you can do anything you set your mind to!
Most Memorable Gymnastics or Nationals Moment? 2018 JO Eastern Nationals. Our first event was bars, I hit a solid bar routine and stuck my dismount! It was a great feeling to hit that first event and hear everyone cheering for me. I got a big hug from my coaches and I was ready to hit the rest of my events.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you? My coaches encourage me to keep pushing myself even 
when I’m tired and want to give up. They tell me to keep thinking about my goals and dreams and push myself to get there.
Bonus Question: Tell me something interesting about yourself….I’m obsessed with Wonder Women!!! I have a Wonder Woman blanket, lunch box, necklace, bracelet and I dressed up as Wonder Women for Halloween.
