This week's Friday Focus features Illinois junior Giana O'Connor.

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

Yes! I’m a great artist, and as you saw in the (meet the team) video, I can draw Florida really well!

 

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

Chicken fingers.

 

What is your favorite memory as a gymnast so far?

My freshman and sophomore year, going to NCAAs.

 

Who are two gymnasts you admire most? Why?

Shawn Johnson and Jordyn Wieber, because they’re amazing gymnasts.

 

How do you recover after a hard workout in the gym?

Well, we drink Muscle Milk, and I take a little nap before I start my homework.

 

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

Cheerleading.

 

What song would you sing at karaoke night?

Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi.

 

Do you collect anything? If so, what?

I collect hotel keys, the room keys, from every hotel we’ve ever went to, and Starburst wrappers to make a long, Starburst chain.

 

How would your friends describe you?

Adventurous, sometimes funny, intimidating a little bit.

 

What are your nicknames?

Gi, G-Money, Gigi.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Accepting a full ride scholarship to the University of Illinois.

 

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

Travel to Florida and live there for the rest of my life.

 

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

I’d really like to know how to fly, if that was possible. But I guess gymnastics-wise, I’d really like to learn how to do a double layout.

 

What’s the number one most played song on your iPod?

It’s Goin’ Down For Real or Till I Collapse (by Eminem).

 

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to overcome in gymnastics?

My ankle surgery.

 

What is your worst habit in the gym?

Picking my wedgie.

 

What is your ideal, pre-competition meal?

Probably chicken fingers!

 

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

Sleeping or watching TV.

 

Have you ever done anything embarrassing in practice or competition? If so, what?

In practice one time, I don’t know if anyone knows the dance move “the jerk,” but I tried to do it on the beam one time, and I crashed the beam.

 

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

Sport-wise, I’d do cheerleading, but if I didn’t end up doing cheerleading, I’d probably be doing nothing but school.