Our next 20 Questions athlete is a 2017 Level 9 Eastern National Qualifier & a 2020 Graduating Senior. Olivia Lynd of Perfection Gymnastics in Cincinnati Ohio, is entering her Senior Season. What I absolutely love the most about this athlete is her unique Balance Beam mount! Olivia does the famous Silivas/Moceanu Mount which is the shoulder stand that turns down the Balance Beam. Olivia actually won the 2019 Yahtzee Award for “Most Interesting Beam Mount”, so if you have not seen this mount definitely check it out here. Olivia will be attending NIU in the fall and I really hopefully she keeps her Beam mount into college where I am sure she will be an asset on her favorite event. Let’s get to know Olivia a little better as she heads into her final season not only with Perfection Gymnastics, but Region 5 as well.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? I tried gymnastics 
out when I was 2 because my older sister was doing classes, but I stopped at age 4 to do dance instead. Dance ended up not sticking for me, so I decided to try gymnastics again when I was 7 and this time, I fell in love with it!
What is your favorite event? My favorite event is beam.
Favorite Skill to train/compete I love to train my shoulder turn mount and triple series on beam, but my favorite skill to compete is a double pike on floor.
Dream Skill? My dream skill would be a standing arabian on beam. I have never tried these before, but they look super cool and are fun to watch.
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is getting to train and travel with my teammates/best friends. I also love accomplishing goals and the feeling of success.
What college do you plan on attending? I will be attending Northern Illinois University! I am super excited to be a part of such a hard working and supportive team.
What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why? My favorite meet to compete at is Luau in Leos. It is always a fun meet right before post-season/state competitions.
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplishment so far has been scoring my personal best all around, 37.700, at the 2019 Level 10 State Championships. I am also proud of reaching my goal to be a college athlete.
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? My favorite series that Region 5 does is Coaches Wired.
What kinds of things really make you laugh? I am always laughing at the funny stories and conversations I have with my friends.
3 Things you could not live without? I could not live without fuzzy blankets, my friends, and ice cream.
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? If I could be any animal, I would choose to be a butterfly because it would be cool to fly and they are really pretty.
5 Most Important or Must have Items in your gym bag? My gym bag will always have Chapstick, hair ties, grips, water, and a snack.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? The night before a 
competition, I like to get lots of rest and relaxation. I love to do face masks and take a hot shower.
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? Outside of gymnastics, I love to hang out with my friends and spend time with my family. You will probably find me at the mall shopping or taking a nap at home.
Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? My most embarrassing gymnastics moment was when I jumped off of a resi, landed weird, and fractured my ankle.
Do you have a nickname? If so what Is the story behind it? Some people just call me Liv
Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I respect cross country runners because I could never run long distances so fast, especially in bad weather!
Something you learned from Gymnastics that you will take with you? I have learned many lessons through gymnastics. The one that will probably stick most is time management. It is really important to be organized and on top of things so that you are always doing your best.
Most Memorable Gymnastics or JO Nationals Moment? My most memorable gymnastics moment was reaching our highest team score of the season at state meet. It showed that our hard work had payed off and gave us more confidence going into this season.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you? The most valuable piece of advice/wisdom my coach has given me is to always stay positive and calm in every situation.
Bonus Question: Tell me something interesting about yourself…. I have travelled to 6 different countries! I love to try new things and see new places.
