This week's Friday Focus features future University of Georgia gymnast Rachael Lukacs of North Stars Gymnastics Academy in Hillsborough, NJ. Lukacs won JO Nationals last year in the junior B age group and also placed first on vault, fifth on beam, and sixth on bars. She has competed at the prestigious Nastia Liukin Cup the past two years and she placed third all-around last year and sixth all-around this year. 

 

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?

Probably frog legs. Believe me, they do not taste like chicken!

 

If you could witness any event past, present, or future, what would it be?

I've always wanted to see Mary Lou Retton's perfect vault in person. Same with Mckayla Maroney's vault at the Olympics. Being that vault is my favorite event. 

 

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

I would make sure my family had everything they needed. then give some of it to charity because they are so many people that need the money more than I do. I just want to help make this world a better place.

 

What motivates you to work hard in and out of the gym?

The thing that motivates me the most to work hard is my family. I always want to make them proud. In and out of the gym they are always there to support me.

 

Besides gymnastics, what is your favorite sport to watch/play?

My other favorite sport would have to be wrestling. My dad was a wrestler and is a high school wrestling coach. so I think it just runs in the family.

 

In ten years, where do you see yourself and what will you be doing?

In ten years I see myself working at my dream job (criminal psychologist) and enjoying what I do.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to any gymnast, what would it be and why?

I would have to say always believe in yourself. The only person to get you to accomplish something is yourself. Never let someone tell you that you can't achieve something. Prove them wrong and do it for yourself.

 

If you could be any other gymnast, who would you be? 

I would want to be Simone Biles. She is so powerful it's amazing!

 

If you had a day off from practice, how would you spend your free time?

I would be using this valuable time sleeping. Can never get too much sleep.

 

What is your most bizarre pet peeve? 

I hate when people crack their knuckles.

 

Describe your pre-competition routine. 

First, I have to wake up and have a spinach omelet and tea. Then I go to church and pray for safety for not only me but my team. I also get blessed too. Then I do my hair and put my Leo and warm ups on. In the car I have to listen to my music very loudly to get pumped up.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Committing to the University of Georgia

 

Describe your worst habit.

My worst habit is perfection. Everything I do has to be close to perfect, even though there is no such thing as perfect. But you can sure try.

 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

First I wanted to be Lilo from Lilo and Stich. I had a crazy obsession with Stich. Then I wanted to be an Olympic Gold Medallist just like most gymnast dream of.

 

On a scale of 1-10 how funny would you say you are?

I would say I'm about a 9. 

 

Are you creative in any way? If so, how?

I love creating designs for nails and just drawing. I'm not the best drawer in the world, but I try my best.

Watch Lukacs on floor at the 2015 Nastia Liukin Cup below

 

Do you collect anything?

Gymnastics Memorabilia.

 

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

I'm extrovert, I love to be surrounded by my friends and family.

 

If you weren’t doing gymnastics, what would you be doing? 

I've never really thought about this. I'm not sure what I would do without gymnastics in my life.

 

How would you describe your personality?

I'm very outgoing, I'm caring and just love to have a good time.

 

What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?

My phone, My dog, and food

 

If you made a life bucket list, what would be your number one activity to accomplish?

I want to travel the world.

 

What super hero would you trade lives with and why?

I would want to be Superman, he's a pretty awesome guy.


Who do you want to see next in our Friday Focus? Leave a comment below or contact us here and let us know!


Related:
Watch Lukacs score a 9.675 on floor at this year's Classic Rock Invitational 
Watch Lukacs score a 9.5 on bars at this year's Classic Rock Invitational 
Watch a Workout Insider on beam with Lukac and North Stars (Gold) 
Watch an interview with Lukacs after the 2014 Nastia Cup here 
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Friday Focus: Maggie Nichols