Interview With Oregon State Commit Allie Elcock

1. What age did you start gymnastics?

I started gymnastics at 1! Started with mommy and me classes.

2. How did you start in gymnastics?

My mom was a gymnast so she wanted to put me into something she loved. She also wanted something that would keep me occupied and active.

3. How did you deal with mental blocks?

When dealing with mental blocks I am always honest with my coaches about how I’m feeling. I went back to basics and took time off from the skill so I don’t get overwhelmed. It also has helped me to visualize the skill your having a mental block on and to visualize how the skill feels. It is helpful to ask your coach for a spot.

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

Role models I look up to is definitely Shawn Johnson or Jade Carey. I watched Shawn Johnson as a little girl wanting to be just like her. I watched Jade Carey in college gymnastics and the Olympics. They both looked like they were having so much fun out on the floor. Other than then being amazing gymnasts they both are very kind and still have a passion for gymnastics!

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

My hardest struggle during my time as a gymnast has been fracturing my neck from peeling off bars. I had to miss nationals and take 8 weeks off. Now looking back it was a smart decision because I needed to heal and I wanted continue my gymnastics career.

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

I handle my nerves by following my same pre-meet rituals! I listen to my competition playlist, eat my favorite food, and stretch. I also remind myself to breathe and just have fun!

7. What was your biggest accomplishment in gymnastics?

My biggest accomplishment is getting a full athletic scholarship to Oregon State University! All the hard work paid off!

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

I’m still competing!

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

I would tell them that it is so fun but it can and is going to be hard. It just going to take time to get skills and find your way but you get so many opportunities from doing gymnastics.

10. What is your favorite meet?

My favorite meet was Metroplex! I loved competing on the podium and experiencing what it would be like when competing in college!

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

I handle pressure whether it comes from me, my coaches, or peers by remembering to breathe and all the hard work I put into practice. I also like to remind myself that whatever happens in practice or in a competition doesn’t change who I am as a person.

12. How do you overcome setbacks and challenges?

I overcome setbacks and challenges by staying positive, calm, and focused. Making steps helps me on how I can overcome this challenge/setback little by little.

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

For sure! I really enjoy gymnastics and I wanted to continue while also getting a great education.

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

Honestly I don’t have a least favorite or favorite event! I love training both because each presents its own fun challenges! When competing my favorite event is floor! I love tumbling and showing off my dance.

15. Hardest and easiest gymnastics skill to train?

The hardest skill I’ve trained is a double-double on floor! The easier skill I’ve trained is a clearhip!

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

Getting in your own head on skills is difficult. I still struggle with it but I deal with it by focusing on what corrections or advice my coach gives me so I can focus more about that then the skill itself. I also like to watch old videos of when I first started the skill so I can really see how much progress I have made. It’s also nice to remind yourself to keep trying/trusting your body and that getting in your own head won’t help.

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

Listening to music helps me a ton. At practice if I start to get in my head I like to go take a little break to reset myself. I go to the cubby area and get some water and a snack. I take a couple deep breaths and head back out with my positive attitude!

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?

This has happened to me. I got my jeager in my competition routine and then I hit the low bar. I couldn’t catch it for months. I watched a ton of videos and watched YouTube videos on how I could fix or adjust my technique. I also did one-on-one practices to get more help. I ended up taking a break from jeagers throughout season and started them back up in the summer. Taking a break I didn’t feel the pressure to catch it. Taking a step back or even a break has helped me overcome it. I am able to catch a jeager now!

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

I want to podium at nationals again! I want to make lineups in college!

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

The advice I would give to current gymnasts is to take it one day at a time. Practice and competition are going to have ups and downs. Don’t get discouraged and keep going! There’s only one way up from the bottom… UP!