We end our 2019 Eastern National Championships coverage with 2019 Junior 7 Uneven Bars National Champion, Bailey Hebert. Bailey, from Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center in Indiana, made big waves in her first year of Level 9 not only qualifying to her first National Championships, but coming away as a National Event Champion as well. Bailey, who is a Freshman in high School, not only rocks on the Uneven Bars, but is exceptional on the Floor Exercise as well, her routine is fun and powerful and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her first Level 10 season. Let’s get to know Bailey Hebert a little better as she swings her way into Level 10 and a run at the 2020 JO National Championships.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? My mom used to tell me
stories about me running around and being a “ball of energy” so she decided to put me in gymnastics. I was 3 years old.
What is your favorite event? My favorite event is floor.
Favorite Skill to train/compete My favorite skill to train is a Yurchenko ½ on vault.
Dream Skill? My dream skill is a double layout on floor.
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is creating so many incredible and long-lasting friendships with my teammates and other gymnasts from other gyms.
Do you love chocolate? Are you looking to get some more protein in a tasty way?
What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why? My favorite meet I have competed at is Eastern Nationals. The energy from the region 5 gymnasts, staff, and other gymnasts was indescribable and unforgettable.
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far is winning bars at level 9 Eastern Nationals.
Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? In the sport of gymnastics, I most admire my coaches. The amount of hard work and effort they put in to help all of us gymnasts achieve our goals is inspiring.
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? My favorite Region 5 Insider Feature/Series is Making Moves Monday. Seeing the gymnasts of region 5 progress is so fun and incredible!
What is your go to playlist or song before meets? My go to playlist/song is anything country because it will pump me up.
3 Things you could not live without? Three things I couldn’t live without are my family, water, and food!!!
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? If I could be any animal, I would be a koala because they are happy all the time and have a very chill life.
5 Most Important or Must have Items in your gym bag? The 5 most important items in my gym bag are tape, pre-wrap, grips, tiger paws, and hair ties.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? Before each meet, especially if it is in the morning, I like to eat fruit and eggs. I also always listen to music right before I go onto the competition floor.
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? Outside of gymnastics, I like to swim, hang out with my friends, and go to concerts!
If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? If I weren’t a gymnast,
I would like to try volleyball.
How does it feel to be a Level 9 Eastern National Champion? Being a Level 9 Eastern National Bars Champion is a feeling that is indescribable and the most amazing feeling I have ever felt.
Most Memorable Gymnastics or JO Nationals Moment? My most memorable JO
Nationals moment is my coach’s speech right before bars. He told me if I do what I have trained in the gym and stay tight, I have the ability to win bars. These words helped me throughout my entire routine and achieve my goals.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you? The most valuable piece of advice my coach has ever given me is to believe in myself and to have confidence. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” 
Whatever you tell yourself and you believe, that is what is going to happen!
Bonus Question: Tell me something interesting about yourself…. I played softball when I was 6 until I was 10 while I was also doing gymnastics!
