Interview With Libby Tobias

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

I got put into mommy-me classes as a baby and my mom also did gymnastics! It’s come very natural and has always stuck with me.

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

My favorite meet was my senior year nationals. It was back in Oklahoma City and I got my highest all around score of my career! My favorite event is bars. The hardest skill I have ever trained is my maloney-half on bars or full-in 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?

When I was younger, I had a lot of mental blocks that was very challenging to deal with. I got over them and haven’t had them since! I’ve always worked well under pressure. To calm my nerves, I say a prayer knowing God is with me and I take a deep breath and remind myself that I am in control. I let my body do its thing and keep my mind calm! If I felt I temporarily lost a skill, I go back to my basics and take a step back to remind myself it is always still there!

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

My biggest accomplishment is making it to Division 1 gymnastics. I am very proud of myself and am excited for my college career. I am also happy with my JO career because of being a level 10 for 5 years and making it to nationals every year! I always wanted to do NCAA gymnastics and am super excited to pursue my dream.

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

I am currently still competing! I am at Kent State University and am so excited for my freshman season here as a golden flash!

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

I loved watching Gabby Douglas! As I got older I really enjoyed watching Suni Lee as well. To anyone starting the sport of gymnastics, trust your body and work on consistency! Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

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

I would love to get a perfect 10 one day and I want to succeed as a college gymnast!