This week's Friday Focus features senior national team member and World Champion Mykayla Skinner. 

 

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

Traveling to Nanning, China with the team and competing in Worlds! It was an honor representing team USA and winning the team gold and the bronze medal on vault!

 

What sport would you do if you weren’t a gymnast?

I would do competitive dance! I take dance at school and I love to express myself through dance.

 

Do you have any embarrassing gymnastics stories?

I was seven years old and a level 5; while in my first gymnastic meet “The Crystal Cup” in Utah. I started doing my floor routine and stopped because I forgot the routine. It was a big meet and I got nervous. The judges thought it was cute!

 

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

Shopping, hang with friends, go to a movie.

 

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

Shawn Johnson, because she was amazing and an example and role model for me! I wanted to be just like her.

 

Who is your childhood hero? 

My sister, Chelsea because she was an awesome gymnast, cheerleader, and diver. She inspired me to have a passion for gymnastics and believe in myself!

 

What is your ideal, pre-competition meal?

I like to have chicken, pasta, and salad which helps me to have lots of energy.

 

What does gymnastics look like for you in the next year?

I am upgrading and adding new skills to my routines. Hoping to make Worlds again this year and have a new skill named after me.

 

How would you describe your personality?

Outgoing, fun, spontaneous, bubbly

 

What is your worst habit in the gym?

I have to have a certain beam and I have to have the mats a certain way.

 

In ten years what do you see yourself doing?

Graduating college, being a sports broadcaster, getting married and having a family.

 

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

Making the 2016 Olympic Team 

 

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

Dedicated

 

What is the # 1 most played song on your iPod?

Check Yes or No by George Strait

 

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

Take the triple double to the floor

 

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

Make sure my family was taken care of, make a donation to my church, and buy a neat house.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Winning 4 gold medals at Senior Pan Am Championships & Winning Team Gold, and bronze vault at Worlds in Nanning, China.

 

Do you have nicknames? If so, what are they?

Myk

 

What song would you sing at Karaoke night?

I don’t dance by Lee Bryce

 

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

Ice Skating

 

Are you a clean and organized, or messy person?

Organized

 

How would your friends describe you?

Goofy, fun, always making up jokes.


Related:
Beyond the Routine: Mykayla Skinner - Team USA's Daredevil 
Friday Focus: Maggie Nichols
Friday Focus: Felicia Hano
Friday Focus: Jazmyn Foberg 
Friday Focus: Laurie Hernandez