After UCLA's Sophina DeJesus performed a floor routine that wowed the world, it went viral overnight and she became an instant internet sensation.



Yesterday, DeJesus and the UCLA Bruins were filmed on the Ellen Show which will air TODAY! See when it's on in your city.

Check out this short preview of DeJesus on Ellen:



Before DeJesus performed her viral routine, we got to know a little more about her life outside of the gym. DeJesus fought through a broken back and made many sacrifices to reach the success she has found at UCLA. From her pre-meet meal to her biggest fear, learn about DeJesus in this edition of 'Inside Their World.'

FloGymnastics: What do you love most about gymnastics?
Sophina DeJesus: It’s never really been gymnastics for me; it was the performing aspect of it. I love to perform.

What is the biggest sacrifice you have made to be in gymnastics?
As a lot of people might know, I used to be a dancer and an actor. I was juggling all three when I was in elite gymnastics. As training became more extensive, I had to quit acting and dancing. After I quit everything and went full time with gymnastics, I broke my back and had to stop gymnastics for a while. It was a sacrifice, but I don't regret anything because everything happens for a reason and I was totally ok with that.

What is the hardest thing about being in this sport?
The hardest thing about being in this sport is it’s very time-consuming. I have always had a very busy life, and it was hard to fit gymnastics in my life even though I wanted to do it.

Did you play any other sport growing up?
Yes, I played just about every sport, from basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis, golf, ice skating etc. You name it, and I pretty much did it. My mom really wanted me to be an all-around kid.

What do you like to eat before a competition?
I have always eaten oatmeal before any competition because it filled me up. It got me through the whole competition, seeing that most competitions are super long.

Name one person who has had a huge impact on your involvement in gymnastics and how that person is connected to you.
My mom has had a huge impact on my career in general. She has been my everything, no matter what I do. She was always ok with me quitting when I wanted to, trying other things in my career. You name it, and she was behind or in front of me all the way to the end! My mom is and will always be my biggest fan.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time to relax?
Believe it or not, I’m a very hyper person, so I’m not one to relax. On my free time, I like to hang out with friends and go places. Anywhere is fine with me, as long as I’m going.

What is your favorite subject in school?
In high school, it was biology and chemistry, mainly because I loved my teachers in science. In college, I seem to like all the subjects about the same.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Funny you should ask that because I’m definitely a morning person because as soon as the dark time hits, I fall asleep wherever I am.

What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is not accomplishing my dreams.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be?
I would say Puerto Rico and Hawaii! And my brother is getting married in Hawaii this year so.....yay!!

Where would you prefer to live?
I would prefer to live in California for sure, maybe in the city right now because that's where all the action is at.

What is your favorite season of the year and why?
My favorite season of the year is summer, mainly because I’m out of school, and I get to hang out with all my friends and family.

What is your favorite holiday and why?
I actually have two, July the 4th because my family has a big party at the beach every year, and it is a blast!! My other one is Christmas because I love giving, and I love surprises!

What is your favorite day of the week?
My favorite day of the week will have to be Friday because I love getting ready for the weekend!!


Related:
Inside Their World: Mizzou Freshman Madeleine Huber
Inside Their World: Oregon State Beaver Madeline Gardiner
Inside Their World: Spectacular Stanford Sophomore Elizabeth Price
Inside Their World: Lady Lion Phenom Valeri Ingui
Inside Their World: Stanford Senior Ivana Hong
Inside Their World: Mizzou's Becca Schugel
Inside Their World: Lindenwood's Rachel Zabawa
Inside Their World: Melissa Brooker Of Southeastern Gymnastics