Meredith Sylvia is a level 10 gymnast from Parkettes. She is a former elite gymnast and is committed to Auburn University for the fall of 2017. Sylvia finished her 2015 season at JO Nationals where she scored a 37.25 all-around. 

 

What is your favorite memory as a gymnast?

My favorite memory as a gymnast is definitely the trip I took to England with the Region 7 All Star team last October. Competing in a different country and laughing and bonding with all the girls is something I’ll always remember.

 

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

When I was a child growing up I always wanted to be a veterinarian and I still do. Hopefully one day I’ll be at a zoo treating animals like tigers and lions.

 

What is your worst habit in the gym?

My worst habit in the gym is checking every few minutes to see if the beam is straight and asking every person that’s been on the beam if the beam is still straight.

 

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

Swimming with sharks because I am very afraid of them and I want to conquer that fear.

 

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

In ten years I see myself in a different country traveling the world.

 

What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?

I can’t pick one song. I listen to anything from country to pop and hip hop to alternative.

 

What is your biggest fear?

Sharks!

 

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment is verbally committing to Auburn University in 2013. That was an experience of a life time and I am excited to see what the future will hold.

 

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

Besides gymnastics my favorite sport to watch is dance. If I wasn’t a gymnast I think I would want to be a dancer. Their sport is so pretty and I love their costumes.

 

What song would you sing at Karaoke night?

I would sing “Popular” from the Broadway show Wicked. While we were in England late one night on a long subway ride I performed that song for everyone on the subway. I think it was very entertaining.

 

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

Anything breakfast. I love all breakfast foods and I love making them. I actually wake up early every morning to make myself an omelet.

 

Who are two gymnasts you admire most?

I admire Peng Peng Lee from UCLA because I think her gymnastics is very pretty and her flair mount on beam is gorgeous. I also admire Bri Guy from Auburn because she overcame two Achilles tears from last season and is back now better than ever. She has a great attitude and seems like a great leader. I really look up to her.

 

How would your friends describe you?

My friends would describe as funny and adventurous because I always want to do something exciting when we hang out.

 

Do you collect anything?

I used to collect these little stuffed bears that say the name of states on them. You can get them at pretty much any airport and I would buy one every time I went to a new state. 

 

Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?

I am distantly related to Babe Ruth.

 

Who is your best friend and how did you meet?

My best friend is Megan Feltham, my former teammate, who is currently a gymnast at Ohio State. Her commute to Parkettes was over two hours long so when she was 13 she came to my house to live with me. She lived at my house for 5 years until she went off to college. She is practically my sister and part of my family. We have so many memories and can’t wait until I see her again when she comes back from college in June. 

 

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

On a scale of 1-10 I would say an 8 on a good day.

 

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Definitely an introvert

 

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

What motivates me to work hard in and out of the gym is just trying to be the best possible me and live to my full potential in every area of my life.


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