Interview With Elena Briana

How old were you when you started gymnastics, and what originally drew you to the sport?

I started gymnastics when I was 3. My parents needed an outlet for my boundless energy, and gymnastics seemed to be the only sport that stuck.

What was your favorite meet, your favorite and least favorite events, and the hardest/easiest skill you ever trained?

My favorite meet occurred this past season at SUU. I was a late addition to the beam lineup (within the four minute touch), yet I felt the most confident and free while competing. I continue to reminisce on that meet and the joy I felt. My favorite event is floor because I love the performative aspect and really connecting with the audience and my team. Although I love all the events, my least favorite would have to be bars because it doesn’t come as naturally as other events do. The easiest skill I’ve trained is a front aerial and it’s one of my favorites. The hardest skill I’ve trained is a full-in on floor. It was a long yet rewarding process.

Gymnastics is incredibly mental. What was your hardest struggle during your time as a gymnast? How did you deal with nerves, pressure, and getting in your head or temporarily "losing" a skill?

My hardest struggle in the sport is perfectionism and learning to give myself grace as an athlete. Our sport is purely based on how flawless your performance is, so finding satisfaction in the process and daily grind can at times be difficult. I continue to grow in the ways that I embrace the challenge and accept that the journey isn’t linear. I deal with nerves and pressure by turning them into fuel. I love attacking the event, whether it’s in my skills, landings, or performance. I remind myself to relish these moments, regardless of the outcome. I deal with “losing” a skill by reminding myself that working through this obstacle will deepen my understanding of the skill. Sometimes learning how to not do a skill can strengthen your ability to perform it once it “clicks” again.

What was your biggest accomplishment in the sport, and did you ever want to do college gymnastics?

My biggest accomplishment in the sport was choosing to transition from AAU Xcel to J.O. My dream to compete in collegiate athletics drove this decision, which many informed me wouldn’t be possible. I look back at my 10 year old self with gratitude for making such an influential decision in my gymnastics career.

How did you cope when your time as a gymnast ended, and did you transition into coaching or are you currently still competing?

N/A

Who was your gymnastics role model, and what advice would you give to someone starting the sport for the first time?

My gymnastics role models were Laurie Hernandez and Aly Raisman due to their authenticity and advocacy both on and off the floor. My advice to individuals starting the sport is that your journey is unique to YOU. Every obstacle and every success happens for a reason and builds the most rewarding experience.

What two goals you want to achieve in the sport of gymnastics?

In my time as a gymnast, I hope to represent the University of Washington with integrity, honesty, and passion. I aspire to be a role model for young girls in that they are capable of achieving their dreams regardless of what others say.