GCH   

Hug & Kiss Meet

March Gymnast of the Month

Grace

grace  (grs) noun.

1. Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form, or proportion.

2. A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.

3. A sense of fitness or propriety.

To watch Grace on the gymnastics floor is indeed similar to the Google definition above.  With her athleticism and quickness, Grace often does make it appear effortless.  She has a wholesome, all American, freckled faced, red headed toothy grin that seems to charm both judges and crowds alike.  

I wondered… “Grace, do you really enjoy gymnastics as much as you appear?”

“Well, it’s harder physically than I thought it would be; I’m stiff and sore a lot of times, especially after Jessie’s Torture Time (Tops), and the broken elbow when I was a level 4  - that was a bummer, but overall, I’d rather be doing gymnastics than anything else in the world.  I love it!” 

It seems that broken bones seems to run in Grace’s family – Malachi, her older brother, broke his wrist recently while roller skating.  So far, Ben – her younger brother has not carried on the family tradition.  Mom and Dad would be just as happy to see the tradition end. 

Grace’s favorite school subjects are creative writing and English.  Her long term goals are to become a veterinarian and to help sick and injured animals.   She has already started a “mini-menagerie” and has two dogs (Peppermint and Shaggy) and a cat (Katerina). 

Grace’s favorite vacation spot is Disney World.  “I love all the comic characters, singers and dancers.  The shows are fantastic and the rides are unbelievable!  The food is great too!” 

“What are your plans for the near future in gymnastics?”

“I want to move to a level 8 this year.  The nice thing is there’s not that many that are at that level in my age group so I think I could do pretty well.”  “I want to do well in all events, but especially in my favorite – floor.”  “It’s my favorite because it’s less dangerous and offers you the best opportunity to express yourself.” 

“Do you have a special place for all your medals and trophies?”

“My trophy and medal place just keeps getting bigger.  Right now it all fits on one big shelf – barely – but soon – God willing and I stay healthy – I’m going to need more room.  Maybe two three shelves, maybe my own bookcase….someday a whole room!!!  Well…I can hope and dream; and keep working out and trying my best.” 

“What is your favorite food?”  “I’m a certified Chocolate Freak.  I’d eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner if I could.  If they could make a no-calorie chocolate candy – it would be the perfect food! If you want to motivate me to score high at a meet wave a big ole Hershey Bar at me and its 9.8!! or 38 overall!! ”

“What other things motivates you at the meets?” “One thing that helps me is when my team mates and family cheer for me at the meets.  It really helps.  I always love hearing my Mom yell: "Come On Baby Girl!!"”