How do you get wobble free beam routines? Add in a wobble free beam complex to your training. Check out Ruth Miller from Michigan Elite Gymnastics as she runs through a quick complex that hits all the necessary areas when it comes to beam. Many of these you might have in your complexes now but there might be one that you have been looking for to help create solid beam work. The goal is to perform completely wobble free. This video was filmed at the 2021 Level 9 High Tech High Performance Training Camp.
Our next 20 Questions athlete was a 1st time DEV National Qualifier in 2021. Kaitlyn Schwab, of Aspire Gymnastics in Illinois, is one of my absolute favorite athletes to watch on the Uneven Bars. Kaitlyn, whose favorite event is vault, has a natural swing on he uneven bars with near perfect handstands and double layout dismount that soars to the rafters. Kaitlyn, who is recovering from a hand injury, is still throwing some pretty impressive skill with one hand. Hope over her IG page to check out her 1 handed full-ins and pike front toss on beam. I think what I am most looking forward to this season from this incredible athlete is her upgrades bar dismount. As we are heading into the 2021-2022 Meet season let’s get to know Kaitlyn a little better and wish her a speedy recovery so she can make a run at her 2nd DEV National Championships & Region 5 Dream Team.
How did you get into the sport of Gymnastics? How old were you? I was always climbing on the playground equipment in my backyard as a baby so my mom signed me up for mom and tot classes when I was 2.
What is your favorite event? Why? My favorite event is vault because I love the power you have to put into it and I like the feeling of twisting in the air.
What is your favorite Skill? Dream Skill? My favorite skill is a yurchenko full on vault and my dream skill is a layout double double dismount on bars or pak full.
What is your favorite part of Gymnastics? Why? My favorite part of gymnastics is being able to be with the people that make me the happiest all the time. The bonds that I have created because of this sport is incredible!
What is your biggest accomplishment in the sport of Gymnastics (so far)? I think my biggest accomplishment has been able to come back from all of the setbacks due to injuries and still qualify for Nationals.
What is something you have learned in/from the sport of Gymnastics that you will take with you long after retirement? Something that I have learned from this sport that I will take with me is the self confidence that I’ve built. You have to know your limits and expectations without comparing yourself to others.
Who is your role model? Who inspires you? Why? How? My role model is Olivia Orengo because even though we are the same age and she is my best friend, she has a strong work ethic and positive attitude. I strive to have the same qualities as her.
What is your most memorable meet moment? With one event left at level 7 state, my score led to a third place tie between my best friend and me. This is the most memorable moment because Zoe and I have been through thick and thin together in our gymnastics career and it was so amazing to tie with my best friend at state.
What is your most embarrassing or funniest meet or practice moment? My funniest moment, but embarrassing for me at the time, would have to be at Nationals when I was competing bars and I peeled off on my dismount.
What is the most valuable piece of wisdom or advice you have received from your coaches? You have to work hard for what you want. You can’t sit back and hope for things to just come to you when you put in no effort.
If you could have any superpower what would it be? If I had any superpower it would be to fly. This way I would be able to go anywhere in the world I want, at any time I want.
What was it like competing in your 1st Level 10 National Championships? It was definitely nerve wrecking but my group was so supportive throughout the whole meet and it was so fun to be out there competing with them.
What was it like representing Region 5? What was a highlight or memorable moment from the competition? Representing Region 5 at my 1st Nationals is definitely something I will never forget. All of the extra accessories like the glasses and foam 5 made Region 5 stand out which I thought was super memorable.
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? I really like Making Moves Monday because I enjoy seeing what other girls from Region 5 are training.
What are the 5 most important items in your gym bag? The 5 most important things in my gym bag are my grips, tiger paws, Ibuprofen, chapstick, and tape.
What are 3 things you could not live without? The 3 things I could not live without are sweatshirts, chapstick, and my bed.
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? I like to binge watch Netflix in my bed and just rest because I don’t get much resting time during the week. On weekends I like to hangout and go places with my friends.
What sets your team/gym apart? The Aspire team is incredibly loving, funny, and hard working. I haven’t been to a gym where I have laughed more than I have at Aspire and felt such a close bond to everyone. We know how to have fun while being productive.
Favorite Show or Series to Binge Watch on Netflix, Hulu or HBO+ My favorite show on Netflix to binge is currently Criminal Minds.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What is your dream job? In 10 years from now I hope to have a career in the field of Radiology.
Bonus Question: Tell us something interesting about yourself……….Over the course of my gymnastics career I have broken 7 bones and have had 4 surgeries.
Flashback Film Strip: Region 5 Junior F and Senior E Floor from the 2021 DEV Nationals. Our new series is looking back on team performances for the past from our Region 5 Dream Team that stand out. We begin with two teams that won their age groups which each included a 38.775 (4 score total) on floor. Let’s look back at these outstanding floor performances.
We go All Access with the Level 9 and 10’s at Flip Star Gymnastics in New Lenox, Illinois. This workout was filmed back in late October as they were just beginning to put together half and full routines leading up to their Home for the Holidays Meet that kicks off the season for them. At Flip Star, each coach is responsible for and event but all work together for the best of all the athletes. Building the kids up and being kid focused is the mission at Flip Star and you can see it in how the coaches interact with the athletes. As you will see, Flip Star is the master at front tumbling but show a great variety of skills on all events. This workout was a fun one to watch and film!
Congratulations to all the incredible athletes who signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their Academics & Athletes in the Fall 0f 2022 at their respective Universities! Region 5 is a highly competitive Region, many Colleges & Universities love to recruit our incredible athletes for their programs. Our Region 5 athletes have signed on to compete all across the country, not only in Gymnastics, but Acrobatics & Tumbling as well.
Please enjoy the gallery below of those athletes who have signed already. Please send us your signing day photos to be included in our gallery if you are not already in there and for those who have not yet signed we will continue to update our gallery throughout the year as senior athletes continue to make commitments for the Fall of 2022.
