Kynsee Roby is a top level 10 gymnast who trains at Triad Gymnastics in Ankeny, IA. Roby is a strong all-around gymnast but is especially talented on beam. She placed second all-around at this year's JO Nationals with a huge 38.475 and also won beam with a 9.725. Get to know Roby in and out of the gym in this week's Friday Focus.


What is your favorite memory as a gymnast, so far?

My favorite memories would have to be traveling to various cities and states for competitions. I love getting to experience new places with my family and teammates.

 

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

If I wasn’t doing gymnastics I would probably be involved in a variety of different sports. I’ve enjoyed playing tennis and volleyball so I would try those first. I like staying active and I’m open to trying new things!

 

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

I would be Simone Biles because her gymnastics is so powerful and looks effortless!

 

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

When I was little I always wanted to be a vet, but as I’ve gotten older my interests have changed.

 

Describe your worst habit.

Like all gymnasts, being a perfectionist. In and out of the gym, it doesn’t matter what I’m trying to do I always want to complete something to the best of my ability. Sometimes I have to take a step back, relax, and realize not everything has to be perfect.
 

What is your most bizarre pet peeve?

People who walk too slow when you’re at the mall.

 

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

My advice to any gymnast would be to always have confidence. Like everybody says, gymnastics is more mental than it is physical so it’s always important that you believe in yourself. If you have your mind in the right set of focus then it will be easier to accomplish what you’re working on.

 

Describe your pre-competition routine.

I wake up and eat breakfast; which generally consists of eggs, fruit, and yogurt. I usually compete later in the day so I like to go for a walk to keep my body from getting stiff. After lunch, I go back to the hotel to rest. A few hours before the meet I start to get ready. On my way to the meet I eat a snack and listen to music to pump me up. Then, it’s go time!

 

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

In ten years I hope to be out of college and doing a job I love to do! I’ve thought about a variety of careers and a few things that interest me are physical therapy, sports nutrition, and sports photography. No matter what I end up doing I always want to remain a part of the “gymnastics world.”

 

Who are three of your role models outside the gym?

Both of my parents, Joe and Ky, and my aunt Stephanie.

 

Who are two gymnasts you admire most? 

Nastia [Liukin] and Shawn [Johnson] because they were the first gymnasts I remember watching in the Olympics. I loved Shawn’s confidence and power in everything she performed, and Nastia’s grace and flexibility.  

 

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

To travel around the world.

 

Pick one word to describe your attitude/personality in the gym.

Focused

 

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

To be fluent in another language.

 

What is your biggest fear?

Spiders!

 

What is your proudest accomplishment?

This season- placing 2nd overall and 1st on Beam at the 2015 J.O. Nationals. I was very proud of my overall performance that day; I hit 4 for 4 events making the J.O. National Team. As well as verbally committing to the University of Nebraska because I have always dreamed of competing in college.

 

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

Watch: Football, dancing, and ice skating   Play: Tennis and volleyball

 

What song would you sing at Karaoke night?

Nothing! You would never want to hear me sing! (:

 

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Balsamic glazed salmon with sautéed brussel sprouts, shallots, sugar snap peas and cheddar broccoli rice. Finish it off with some ice cream because I LOVE dessert (:

 

How would your friends describe you?

Funny! I love to make people laugh and have a good time.

 

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

My camera, food/ water, & Netflix

 

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

Photography. I’ve taken two photography classes and I enjoy doing various types of photoshoots. I always look for an angle that gives a pleasing composition to the subject I am photographing.

 

Who is your best friend and how did you meet?

Savana Horton  - We met at a gymnastics meet in Level 4 when we were both training at different gyms and then we ended up at the same gym a year later!


Related:
Friday Focus: Maggie O'Hara