Our next 20 questions athlete is Twistars Level 10 Delanie Harkness. Delanie, so far, has had an incredible club career having competed at the Elite level qualifying to the P&G Championships, becoming a JO National All-Around Champion as well as qualifying to numerous JO National Championships, and has represented Region 5 on the Region All-Star Team. On the competition floor Delanie is a huge presence with her infectious smile and high flying gymnastics. When Delanie hits bars its like watching poetry in motion. Delanie, who is a junior in high school, has a few more years left with us here in Region 5. Let’s get to know Delanie a little bit better as she makes her way towards postseason and the road to JO Nationals.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? I was 3 years old when I first started gymnastics. My preschool was connected to a gymnastics facility and my parents wanted me to give it a try.
What is your favorite event? My favorite even is bars
Favorite skill to train/compete? My favorite skill to train is a shaposh half, but my favorite skill to compete is a full out on bars.
Dream Skill? My dream skill is a full on full off on vault.
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is the relationships i’ve built with my teammates.
What college do you plan on attending? I will be attending Michigan State University. Go Green!
What is your favorite met to compete at? I love to compete at JO nationals.
What is your biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far is winning nationals in 2014 and earning a D1 scholarship.
Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? I admire Maggie Nichols the most.
What is your favorite Region 5 Feature or Series? I like watching the All-Star videos
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What is your go to playlist or song before a meet? Before meets I always listen to “Fly” by Niki Minaj or “Bird set free” by Sia
If you were trapped on a deserted island what 3 things would you bring? I would bring my phone, water, and a comfy blanket
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a sea turtle, because they get to swim in the ocean and lay on the beach!
Who is your favorite superhero? My favorite superhero would have to be Thor
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I usually just have to listen to music
What do you like to do outside of gymnastics? I like to hang out and go do things with my friends and family!
Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? My most embarrassing gymnastics moment would be anytime that I spazz doing a skill
If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? I would like to try volleyball!
Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I give wrestling a lot of respect because I feel like gymnastics and wrestling are kind of similar. For both sports you have to have so much dedication and lots of physical and mental strength.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach have given you? My coach Brett gave me this saying that I’ve always kept in mind. “good, better, best never let it rest make your good better and your better best.
