Interview With Former OU and Current National Team Gymnast Zachary Nunez

1. What age did you start gymnastics?

Around 4-5 years old. I started in mommy and me classes

2. How did you start in gymnastics?

I was enrolled in mommy and me classes. As I got older, I started climbing the door frames and walls at home so my parents enrolled me in recreational classes to get be able to do those types of things safely, and in a controlled environment

3. How did you deal with mental blocks?

I have to tell myself that if I want a different/new outcome, I need to commit to making that change. Nothing is going to change unless I make a change. At least that’s what I tell myself when I’m scared to actually committing to a skill.

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

I grew up at Cypress Academy, so I had many role models like Jonathon Horton and Chris Brooks. Cypress Academy had many athletes going to colleges, so I often looked up to many of the older guys.

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

I’m going to be honest, I’m struggling right now. I’ve gotten 2 shoulder surgeries and I torn my Achilles (a couple cm, nothing big). I’m not the same gymnast as I was a few years ago. I’m catch myself dealing with the struggle of maybe it’s time to stop, and wanting to keep going to reach my goal of competing for the Philippines.

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

I always tell myself that I’m more than prepared. Everything I’ve done up until that moment was to prepare me. I just have enjoy the moment, be present, and remember what has made me the gymnast I am.

7. What was your biggest accomplishment in gymnastics?

Competing for the Philippines at American Cup earlier this year and getting runner-up on Pommel Horse in 2023.

8. When you were done competing in the sport? Did you stay involved in it with coaching etc?

I’m not done so I haven’t decided if I want to stay in the community. Nothing is set in stone.

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

Patients. It’s hard to see the progress when you’re comparing small increments of time. Some skills you’ll get quick, and others will take a long time. You just have to trust the process and keep at it.

10. What is your favorite meet?

2025 MPSF Conference. It was the first time since 2021 that OU won the Conference Championships. Ironically, I fell. However, the fact that the guys were able to experience the win after years of hard work are what made it special.

11. How did you handle pressure form peers/coaches/fans?

To be honest, sometimes you just have to give it no attention. I just stay within myself, and focus at the task at hand.

12. How do you overcome setbacks and challenges?

Like I was saying before, progress takes time. Regardless of where I’m at, I have to remember how far I’ve come and that I’m able to do whatever I put my mind to as long as I keep pushing towards whatever goal in mind.

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

It did! I didn’t realize how realistic that idea was up until my Junior and Senior years of High School. I really didn’t start growing as a gymnast until those years, so I wasn’t sure until the end of high school.

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

I would say rings because I’m not strong and didn’t excel at it. However, I haven’t done really Rings and Floor in because of my injuries, so I actually miss doing those events. I took them for granted.

15. Hardest and easiest gymnastics skill to train?

I would say hardest skill to train is Peach 1/2 on parallel bars. Even now, I have a hard time grasping it. I’ve had to relearn the skill at least 3 times. Easiest skill to train would have to be double pike on parallel bars.

16. How did/do you deal with getting in your head on skills?

I take it step by step. Sometimes I’m overthinking, and have to turn off my brain and keep it simple.

17. How did you stay out of your head at practice and at meet?

I try to focus at the task at hand, and stay present. What am I doing and how can I execute it as best as I can.

18. Have any of you got a skill for a few weeks on any event and then a week or to later you just can't do it? If this has happened to you how have you dealt with it or overcome it?

Peach 1/2. Like I said before, don’t get ahead of myself and slow it down.

19. How did you cope when your time as a gymnast was over? Did you go into coaching or did you find something else to fill what gymnastics filled?

I’m not done yet, but I know it’s going to be hard. It’s who I’ve been since I can remember. I’m currently traveling, but prior to that I was coaching at Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy. I enjoy it because I get to experience the other side of gymnastics, that being the coach instead of the athlete.

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

This may sound silly, but Kovacs on high bar, and to keep competing for the Philippines (currently doing so)

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

Never give up. Always remember your why, the reason you’re getting started gymnastics. You are your worst enemy, so always believe in yourself.