Interview with Arkansas Gymnast Kennedy Hambrick

What age did you start gymnastics? 

3 years old. 

How did you start in gymnastics?

Hyper child.

How did you deal with mental blocks?

 Visualization and trusting myself. 

Who was your role model/someone you looked up to in the sport?

 Carly Patterson. 

What was your hardest struggle during your time as a gymnast?

Dealing with injuries and expectations. 

How do you handle nerves when you are competing?

 I told myself that whatever happens, happens and I can’t change it. Focus on the now. 

What was your biggest accomplishment in gymnastics? 

 Breaking the AA (All Around) record. 

What did you do after you were done competing? Did you stay involved or did you do something totally different?

 I am now a coach at Hopes and Dreams Gymnastics.

What would people need to know if you are starting gymnastics for the first time?

It’s hard and takes a lot of time and dedication. Be prepared to face a lot of challenges. 

What was your favorite meet?

Texas Prime or Alamo Classic (club) SECs or Nationals (college).

How do you handle pressure from peers/coaches/fans?

 Remember that they just want the best for me and that their intentions are good. 

How do you overcome setbacks and challenges?

 Take a few steps back and do some drills. Remember that everyone had setbacks and it’s part of the sport.

Did college gymnastics ever cross your mind as something you wanted to do?

Yes.

Least favorite event and favorite event? And why?

Vault. It’s always been a struggle for me. 

Bars. It’s fun and feels cool flying through the air.

Hardest and easiest gymnastics skill to train?

Piked Jaeger -> bail, front double full, yurchenko 1.5.

Full out dismount on bars .

Advice you would give to current or people who want to start in the sport? 

Be patient and don’t expect to get anything right away.