20 Questions with JO National Qualifier Kyla Podges (Legacy-KY)

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April 30, 2019

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Our next 20 questions athlete has a remarkable story that she recently shared via instagram. Kyla Podges of Legacy Gymnastics in Kentucky almost wasn’t, as an infant she was literally abandoned on the streets of China, thanks to a local police officer she was taken to an orphanage and later adopted by her loving American Family at the age of 2. This talented young lady has thrived in her life, qualifying this year to her first JO Nationals and accepting a full scholarship to Texas Women’s University where she will be heading in the fall. Kyla, who is always happy and full of life is a joy to watch on the competition floor, she always has a smile on her face and really seems to be enjoying what she is doing. As JO Nationals is approaching and Kyla’s time with Region 5 and Legacy Gymnastics is coming to a close let’s get to know this incredible young lady a little bit better as she prepares to leave one chapter behind and begin a new.

How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? When I was 19 months old, I was adopted from China. I was developmentally delayed for my age, so my mom wanted to put me in gymnastics to improve my motor and social skills. I began doing “Mommy & Me” classes at the age of 2, and I’ve loved the sport ever since!

What is your favorite event? Floor is my favorite, though it used to be beam. I love being able to dance to my music and show off my routine.

Favorite Skill to train/compete? My favorite skill to train is a front double on floor. My favorite skill to compete is my yurchenko full-on, tuck-off on vault.

Dream Skill? Definitely a full twisting pak!

What is your favorite part of gymnastics? There are so many parts of gymnastics that I love, but being a part of such a tight knit group of girls is something that can’t be beat. I wouldn’t trade my Legacy family for the world!

What college do you plan on attending? I plan on attending Texas Woman’s University and joining their gymnastics team this fall. I can’t wait to compete for my future school, go Pioneers!

What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why? Competing at Elevate the Stage is always fun because the meet is on podium and everything is a bit more bouncy

Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far is committing to TWU on a full-athletic scholarship. But qualifying to JO’s comes in at a close 2nd!

What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? I like watching the “Eye On 5” series!

What is your go to playlist or song before meets? Before meets I listen to songs that I can sing to and get pumped up to. Mostly rap, Ariana Grande, or throwback songs from like 2008

3 Things you could not live without? I definitely couldn’t live without socks (feet gross me out), a phone charger (my phone is literally in low power mode all the time), and my one contact I wear in my left eye (because I’m blind)

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? I would be a giraffe so I could be tall and have long legs. Also because I think giraffes are cool, and they’ve been my favorite animal since I was little.

5 Most Important or Must have Items in your gym bag? Some must have items in my gym bag include tape, coband, Tiger Paws, lotion, and Ibuprofen

Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I don’t really have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions, besides listening to music. Though I do always bring a certain foam roller with me to meets, just in case I get sore from traveling.

What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? Outside of gym I like to bake, watch Netflix, sleep, and go out with friends

Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? My most embarrassing meet moment was at State Meet in 2016. I had the flu all week leading up to State, so I was not feeling 100%. Long story short, I face planted on my double pike on floor… in front of everyone.

If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? I would probably give diving a try

Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I respect LSU gymnast, McKenna Kelley, the most because she is the perfect example of a fighter. She worked hard to get back after tearing her achilles and earned a perfect 10 on her senior night!

What part of JO Nationals are you most looking forward too? I’m looking forward to being able to represent Region 5 and to compete alongside some of the best level 10’s in the nation

Most Memorable Gymnastics or JO Nationals Moment? My most memorable gymnastics moment was meeting Martha Karolyi when I went to The Ranch for National TOPs testing

What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you? The most valuable piece of advice my coach has given to me is to trust myself and do every skill with confidence.

Bonus Question: Tell me something interesting about yourself…. I’m legally blind in my right eye. Oh, and I can wiggle my ears haha.

Fun Fact: Kyla got to do TOPs Testing with 2016 Olympic Team Gold Medalist Laurie Hernandez

JO National Newbies: Ava Wellmeier, Buckeye

By

Kim Dowis

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April 27, 2019

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Name: Ava Wellmeier

Gym: Buckeye

Age Group: Junior A

Graduation: 2024

Favorite Quote: “Every morning you have two choices; continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them”

Favorite Type of Music: My favorite type of music is country music!

Favorite Food: My favorite food is fried rice and chicken!

Favorite Movie: My favorite movie is A Dog’s Purpose!

Favorite Subject in School: My favorite subject in school is Englis

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Tell us about your experience competing at level 10 regionals in 2019, compared this experience to past Regionals or Level 9 Regionals if this was your first year of 10.This year, I had a lot more fun at Regionals compared to last year. Last year I was 2nd alternate for Nationals, and the year before that I was 2nd alternate for Easterns. It feels great this year to accomplish one of my biggest goals! About three weeks before Regionals this year I broke my big toe, and so I took a lot of pressure off myself to qualify and just told myself to have fun with all of my teammates, even if the outcome wasn’t what I hoped for it to be!

What have you learned from previous experiences at Regionals or Nationals and what made this year different? Over the past two years of being a level 10, I have learned that even if you have a great meet, the outcome won’t always be the same! You just have to do your best because you never know what score the judges are going to give you. That helped me a lot this year at Regionals because it made me focus on taking it one event at a time, doing my best and not focus on the outcome!

What are you most looking forward to about nationals? I am so excited to compete at Nationals this year! I can’t wait to meet so many new people and compete for Region 5! There are so many things to look forward to, like a banquet, getting our hair and makeup done before we compete, and practicing and competing with other gymnasts from all over the country!

How does it feel to represent Region 5 on a national stage? I feel incredibly honored that I get to compete for Region 5 at Nationals! I am so excited to have the opportunity to fulfill one of my biggest goals that I have set for myself every season of being a level 9 and 10!

What is your most memorable moment in gymnastics besides qualifying to JO nationals? Recently this year I got my HOPES 12-13 optional score, and I qualified to compete in the American Classic this June! This was another big goal of mine this season, and since I fell short of qualifying last year, it feels great to accomplish that goal!

What is the most powerful piece of advice you have received and how has it specifically impacted your gymnastics? The most powerful piece of advice that I have received is to never put too much pressure on yourself. I have always been very hard on myself both in practice and at competitions. I have always wanted to do well for myself, but also make my parents, coaches and team proud. I find that I always do better at competitions when I try to have fun and enjoy myself, instead of worrying about the outcome.

Tell me something interesting about yourself….special talents, hobbies, interesting facts etc I love doing a lot of things outside of gymnastics! Doing art, hair, nails and makeup has always been very fun for me! I love going outside, and I also love hanging out with my friends! I am currently learning sign language, and I am taking that as one of my courses in school! I have also recently started baking things! I love testing out new recipes and having my friends and family try it!

2019 Region 5 Insider Favorite Leotards (5-1)

By

Kim Dowis

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April 26, 2019

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One of my favorite aspects of the Region 5 Championships is checking out all of the new and old leotards from the competing teams. Each year I run around like a chicken with my head cut off getting pictures of all the fun, unique, stylish and fantastic leotards to put together the Annual Top 10 Favorite Region 5 Leotard List! This will be the 6th year for the list and I have to say to all the coaches out there in Region 5, GREAT JOB! you are making this decision INCREDIBLY hard year after year! I absolutely LOVE IT!

So, the moment everyone has been waiting for………..Drum Roll Please!….Here is my Top 10 Favorite Region 5 Leotard List numbers 5-1!

But first in case you missed it, Check out our Region 5 Championships Sights and Sounds!

5.Oakland (MI 2nd Yr)

This is Oaklands 2nd year on the list, and this has to be one of my absolute favorite Oakland Leotards,I love that they have added purple into their new colors. This leo has been a fan favorite and definitely catches your eye when you see it.

4. Gymnatics Academy of Rockford (IL 2nd Yr)

When I first saw this leo I was in love. I have always been partial to Red, Black and White mainly because those are my gyms color as well, this leo reminds me of our team leos last year. I love how this leo ombre’s from the black to the white and the jewel pattern is unique and eye catching, there are just so many jewels on the front, I am sure its a bit heavy.

3. Gym America (MI 2nd Yr)

I have been waiting for this year to come just to see this leotard! Gym America kept their last leo for three years so they could do a beautiful custom leo for their Anniversary Year and this one certainly did not disappoint. I love that they went back to their original Red, White & Blue colors with this leo and their Adidas warm-ups. The sweetheart neck is just enough to be elegant and classy and look great on everyone. The criss-cross back is unique and very Gym America style.

2. I.G.I (IL 2nd Yr)

I first saw this leo last year when Michigan State wore it and I absolutely loved it. So, at the beginning of this season when I saw IGI on social media with this leo I was so excited! For me this leo is sophisticated and classic like a little black dress. I love how IGI is spelled out in jewels underneath the open key hole back. The back is probably my favorite part of the entire leotard.

1. Palmer’s (IL 2nd Yr)

OMG this leo!!!!! Palmers Gymnastics has really stepped up their game this year in the leo department. This leo from the moment I first saw it I couldn’t stop talking about it! It has the right amount of design and jewels, the neckline with the silver on the chest going up over the shoulders reminds me of a beautiful dress that some actress would wear to the oscars. Of course I love the colors because again my gym has the same ones, but this leo is eye-catching, classy, unique and looks good on every single person on the team. I have tried really hard to not make this my favorite leotard, but I am OBSESSED with it and would totally make it my gyms leo if it wasn’t already Palmer’s.

2019 Region 5 Championships: Sights and Sounds

By

Jason MacDonald

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April 26, 2019

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Behind the Scenes look at 2019 Region 5 Level 9 and 10 Championships. This competition every year is intense and emotionally draining. There are highs of highs and lows of lows. Check out some of the action and relive moments the athletes share with their coaches after those successful routines. Here is the sights and sounds from 2019 Region 5 Championships.

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JO National Newbies: Madeline Pike, Perfection

By

Kim Dowis

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April 25, 2019

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Name: Madeline Pike

Gym: Perfection

Age Group: Junior E

Graduation: 2021

Favorite Quote: “Don’t Stop Until You’re Proud”

Favorite SuperHero: Wonder Woman

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Food: Ice Cream

Favorite Subject: Math

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Tell us about your experience competing at level 10 regionals in 2019, compared this experience to past Regionals or Level 9 Regionals if this was your first year of 10. Regionals as a level 10 were a lot of fun, but very stressful. There is so much on the line at regionals and you can feel the tension in the gym. Everyone is there for the same reason and everyone wants a chance to participate for Region 5 at JO Nationals. I was lucky to have 3 Perfection teammates competing in my session with me, which definitely helped calm my nerves.

Talk about moving into level 10, the challenges you have faced and the success you have had over the last year. I have overcome many injuries and setbacks leading up to this year. I missed the entire 2017 season with an injury. I had a really good Level 9 season last year, which really helped build my confidence for my first level 10 season. After a great summer, I hurt my knee at the first meet of the season and I was unable to compete at the first two meets. I had only competed one all-around meet before competing at state. I had a very good state meet and then followed that up with a solid performance at Regionals.

What have you learned from previous experiences at Regionals or Nationals and what made this year different? I have learned to control my nerves and take everything one step at a time. Regionals is a very important meet and I find that I do better if I stay focused on one event at a time and not worry about the whole meet. You never know what will happen at a meet, but you have to finish strong and forget about any mistakes you might have made.

What are you most looking forward to about nationals? I am looking forward to staying with my team all weekend and being able to make new friendships and memories with my new teammates.

How does it feel to represent Region 5 on a national stage? I am so excited to represent Region 5 because it is the best region in the country. There are so many talented gymnasts that we get to compete against all season. It will be exciting to now become teammates and try to win a national title for Region 5.

What is your most memorable moment in gymnastics besides qualifying to JO Nationals? My most memorable gymnastics moment was winning 2018 Level 9 State and Regional championships.

What is the most powerful piece of advice you have received and how has it specifically impacted your gymnastics? The most powerful piece of advice I have received is that gymnastics is more than a sport and it teaches you how to deal with real-life setbacks. I know that gymnastics has made me a stronger person. There are times that I get so frustrated, but I always know that giving up is not an option. You can do anything you set your mind to.

Tell me something interesting about yourself….special talents, hobbies, interesting facts etc I love singing and I have won 2 school talent shows for singing.