Interview with Ohio State Gymnast Michael Nguyen

1. When did you start gymnastics?

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2. How did you start in gymnastics?

I started doing handstands down the stairs and on the couch.

3. How did you deal with mental blocks?

I would listen to relaxing music.

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

Paul Juda, Sam Mikulak

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

Loosing skills and having to relarn them.

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

I would listen to music

7. What was your biggest accomplishment in gymnastics?

Competing at Big10 Championships and NCAA.

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

I am a sophomore in college still doing gymnastics.

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

Work hard and don't give up.

10. What was your favorite meet?

BIG10 Championships

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

I would ignore them pretend they were not there.

12. How do you overcome setbacks and challenges?

I would just work harder.

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

Yes definitely

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

Least favorite event would be rings. I don't like rings because I have shoulder issues and can't do anything on that event. My favorite event is pommel horse because I like to swing around and learn new skills.

15. Hardest and easiest gymnastics skill to train?

Hardest skill to learn would probably be a lukin on highbar. Easiest skill would probably be a kip on highbar.

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

I would just go through the motions of the skill then just do it.

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

I would listen to music.

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?

I would just do a lot of drills for the skill, so that way when I do it on the event it will be easier since I know the basics of the skill

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 am still in gymnastics.

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

Work hard and have fun.