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Our next 20 Questions Athlete is a 2x JO National Qualifier, who hails from one of the best gyms in the State of Michigan…Gym America, Lily Clapper followed her sister Leah into the sport of gymnastics and just as her sister has thrived at the highest JO Level. Lily he beautiful to watch on the Balance Beam and Floor Exercise, she is graceful, elegant, powerful and really know how to show off her routine on both events. In 2019 Lily captured the Michigan State Balance Beam title in marvelous fashion with an exquisite routine. Lily, who will enter her sophomore year of high school in the fall, is undecided on where she would like to eventually attend college, but I know that whatever school she ultimately chooses she will be a huge asset on multiple events for any gymnastics team. So, let’s get to know Lily a little better as she heads into her 3rd season as a Level 10 and readies herself for another great season hopefully culminating with another JO National Championships Dream Team spot.

How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you?  My older sister, Leah, taught me some basic skills at home; however, it became too advanced for our basement. Therefore, my mom insisted I take classes at the gym to be safe. I was six-years-old at the time, and did not want to take classes, but have loved gymnastics ever since.

What is your favorite event? I love training them all, but competing vault is my favorite.

Favorite Skill to train/compete? My favorite skill to compete is a Yurchenko full.

Dream Skill?My dream skill is a double layout on floor.

What is your favorite part of gymnastics?I love the adrenaline rush I get while competing and the satisfied feeling after learning a new skill or nailing a routine. My favorite part of gymnastics is also the strong friendships it creates with teammates and the life skills this sport teaches.

What college do you plan on attending? I am undecided.

What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why?My favorite meet to compete at is JO Nationals because it feels so special having the opportunity to compete for Region 5, have so much support, and meet new people.

Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far is qualifying to JO Nationals.

What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? My favorite Region 5 features and series are the “‘OMG’ Blooper Moments” and “Best in 60”.

What is your go to playlist or song before meets? I don’t have a particular song, but I like to listen to upbeat pop songs before meets.

3 Things you could not live without? Three things I could not live without include my family, warm showers, and vanilla scents/flavors.

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? If I could be any animal, I would be a puppy because they are energetic, live inside, and get pet often.

5 Most Important or Must have Items in your gym bag? Five most important items in my gym bag include water, lip balm, extra hair ties, hand sanitizer, and a snack.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I do not have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions.

What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? I love traveling, cooking, baking, skiing, and spending time with family.

Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? My most embarrassing meet moment was probably last year, when I tripped while running to do a double pike on floor at the CGA Coaches Spectacular competition. I just kept running, then turned around to finish on the landing mat while my coach was trying to pull it out from under my feet.  

If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? If I weren’t a gymnast, I would take on ballroom and hip hop dancing.

Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I respect any athlete who always works their hardest and gives it their all.

 Something you learned from Gymnastics that you will take with you?From gymnastics, I have learned to strive for perfection, but not to get discouraged if everything is not flawless. 

Most Memorable Gymnastics or JO Nationals Moment? My most memorable gymnastics moment was in 2018 when my sister and I both qualified to JO Nationals. It was so special because we got to compete together for the last time, since it was her senior year.