Pre-competition Perspective from Steven, Jake and Sam

Sep 23, 2013 by Tanner Nemkov

In a non-Olympic year, competing at the World Championships is something every gymnast hopes to do. Though there is no team competition at the Worlds following the Olympics, team remains a driving force of the athletes. They travel, room and spend downtime as a team. Here`s what Team USA members Steven Legendre, Jake Dalton and Sam Mikulak have to say about competition and their teammates.

Gymnastike: What`s the team dynamic like when you guys interact?
Steven Legendre: The dynamic of the team going to Worlds this year is great. We definitely keep each other upbeat and loose, and that way when you`re out there competing and stuff it doesn`t get too tense or too serious.
Jake Dalton: We are a close group of guys. Working out with each other often and competing often allows us to get along well and be able to joke around and have a good time, while being motivated in the gym.
Sam Mikulak: Everyone is a jokester; there`s never a dull moment.

Gymnastike: What do you guys do during your free time at a meet?
Steven Legendre: It`s always fun just to walk around a little bit, just to see new things, new places. We just want to explore, hang out.
Jake Dalton: During our free time we usually just sit around and goof off. Sounds funny, but anything to be able to relax and not be stressed is a good time.
Sam Mikulak: There really is no free time during a meet. Usually everyone is trying to focus.

Gymnastike: Do you watch what you eat while at a meet?
Steven Legendre: I personally don`t count calories, I just eat based on the way I feel.
Jake Dalton: Yes, not only do I watch what I eat when I compete, I watch what I eat on a daily basis.
Sam Mikulak: No, I`ll just stay away from fast food.

Gymnastike: What music do you listen to in order to get in a competition mindset?
Steven Legendre: I really like country music. It doesn`t really pump me up, but it puts me in a good mood. I always feel that the better mood I`m in, the better I perform in the gym.
Jake Dalton: Anything that is upbeat and motivating. A song recently I enjoy is "We Own It" by 2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa.
Sam Mikulak: I`m all about electro or progressive house music, something that`ll get my blood flowing and energize me.

Gymnastike: Who on the team is most likely to…
Make everyone laugh at a team meeting?
Steven Legendre: Brandon Wynn
Jake Dalton: Steven Legendre
Sam Mikulak: Kevin Mazeika

Get married next?
Steven Legendre: Jake Dalton
Jake Dalton: Alex Naddour
Sam Mikulak: Jake Dalton

Forgo dessert?
Steven Legendre: Brandon Wynn
Jake Dalton: Brandon Wynn
Sam Mikulak: Brandon Wynn

Forget his grips?
Steven Legendre: Sam Mikulak
Jake Dalton: Sam Mikulak
Sam Mikulak: Sam Mikulak

Gymnastike: What are you looking most forward to at Worlds?
Steven Legendre: Just getting back out there on the world stage. I missed out at competing at the Olympics, so just happy to be out there on the competing team again.
Jake Dalton: I am looking forward to being with the great group of guys and making memories with our team. I also look forward to making our dreams come true by getting as many people on the podium as possible.
Sam Mikulak: Representing the United States and bringing home some hardware.

The men take to the competition floor for semifinals on Monday. Gymnastike will be on-site for coverage throughout the World Championships.