Interview with Florida Gymnast Sloane Blakely

1.What age did you start gymnastics?

5 yrs

2.How did you start in gymnastics?

My mom put me in it when I was 5.

3.How did you deal with mental blocks?

A lot of positive self talk and private lessons in club gymnastics.

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

gabby Douglas.

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

Mental Blocks.

6.How do you handle nerves when you are competing?

Positive self talk, prayer, and breathing techniques.

7.What was your biggest accomplishment in gymnastics?

Making U.S. national team.

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

I am currently still involved in gymnastics, I am a gymnast at the University of Florida.

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

It takes a lot of mental toughness.

10.What was your favorite meet?

2023 SEC Championships.

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

Positive self talk and lots of prayers.

12.How do you overcome setbacks and challenges?

I think that challenges help you be a better gymnast and person, so l see them as something good that will help me be better in the end.

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

Not really until I was in level 9 or 10.

14.Least favorite event and favorite event? And why?

My least favorite event is bars as it has never come that easily to me.

My favorite event is vault because it is the fastest and I feel like I am flying.

15.Hardest and easiest gymnastics skill to train?

Hardest skill to train would be my series from elite which was handspring front tuck. My easiest skill to train would probably be a double back on floor or a double front off bars.

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

Have fun with it! Do not get too caught up in the challenges because you started this sport to have fun.