Interview With Erika

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

I started doing gymnastics when I was 5 years old; what began as a hobby and a game for me as a child has since become a very important part of my life. What really drew me to this sport was that it kept me occupied with an activity while my parents were looking after my brother, who was hospitalized for a long time, a period during which I also had to live with my maternal grandmother, by the way, I absolutely loved!

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

My favorite competition was definitely the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto! Not only was it my first international competition, but it was also an incredible experience; being surrounded by a highly competitive team really fueled my desire to get out there and compete! My favorite apparatus is floor, as I love being able to express myself, it’s a strength of mine, and refining my routines is something that truly motivates me. As for the apparatus I least enjoy training, though I wouldn’t say I dislike any of them, it would be beam. The most difficult elements I’ve practiced are the DTY on vault, the Kachev on bars, a double-tucked somersault dismount on beam, and a full-twisting double tuck (full-full) on floor.

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?

I would say that frustration is something that doesn’t just go away, it’s always there with you during training. That can truly be an obstacle to continued improvement, and it’s something I’ve learned to deal with this season, not just mentally, but physically as well. When something like that happens, I try to pause and reflect on what might be going on or what the underlying issue could be. I try to take a deep breath and calm myself down during those tense moments, reminding myself that I’m only human and that it’s possible for us to make mistakes.

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

As I mentioned before, having the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Mediterranean Games and to prepare for a World Championship is something I’ve always dreamed of, and, of course, it took a lot of hard work to get here. I would absolutely love to do college gymnastics! It’s something I’ve dreamed of for a long time, and I hope to be able to join a team and become part of a great family there!

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

Fortunately, I continue to compete and do what I love every day!Fortunately, I’m still competing and doing what I love every single day! But when that comes to an end, I’d like to stay involved in this world as a judge, I love assigning scores!

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

Without a doubt, it has been and will continue to be Aly Raisman! Her gymnastics inspires me so much; the way she has achieved every win and overcome every obstacle is truly admirable, simply incredible! I also love Jordan Bowers, as I relate to her; she had a back injury, I have one too, and everything she has gone through reminds me a lot of my own journey in the world of gymnastics. And if I had to give some advice to someone just starting out in gymnastics, it would be to enjoy every step along the way. Every gymnast’s journey is unique, and that’s what makes it truly special! They should pursue their goals in stages, celebrating small achievements, and choose to do what they genuinely love, without letting the opinions of others dictate their path.

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

I would love to take part in the Olympic Games, let’s be honest, but there are several important competitions to get through first on the way to the very top; so, I’d say that competing in a European Championship and a World Championship would be the next steps!