Interview with Abby Milliet

After a phenominal start to the 2013 season, 16 year old  Abigail Milliet is ready to make a splash at championships this year. Abby has been an elite gymnast for 5 years, and is best known for winning the WOGA Classic 2 times in a row (2012 & 2013), as well as placing 2nd all around at the 2011 and 2012 Nadia Comaneci Invitational! Abby trains at Denton Gymnastics in Denton Texas, and is looking forward to her college career at Auburn University! In this interview, Abby talked to us about her career high's and low's, goals for this season, and her reason for choosing Auburn.

Photo Credit: Scott and Emer Hults

You've been an elite gymnast since 2009, can you walk us through some of the high and low points of your career so far? 

Some of my high points, were winning the WOGA Classic twice and the American Classic. A low point was only being able to compete two events at Visa's in 2009 because of my broken foot.

What are some new upgrades that we can expect to see from you this year?

Well, I have a completely new bar routine from last year including a ray, pak, inside stalder full, and a shaposh. On beam, I have back handspring layout, tour jete half, a double pike dismount, and just a bunch of connections with my older skills. On floor, I have a 1 1/2 through to double tuck and on vault I have a yurchenko double.

             

  We saw a video of you training an amanar, when will we see that?

Well yeah, that too! Not this season, i'll have to keep working on that!

                  

What are some of your goals for this season?

My goals are to make it on the national team and hopefully go to Worlds.

You are committed to Auburn for the 2014 school year. What about Auburn caught your eye?

Well, I love the coaches! They remind me of my own. The facility and school are just beautiful. I feel like I have something to contribute and I'm happy to do so.

Who is your role model in gymnastics?

Definitely Nastia Liukin!

What is your dream skill to compete? 

A yurchenko double tuck on vault.

You've been to a few of the National Team Camps this year, what are they like?

It's very hard, but rewarding. It has helped me a lot with being prepared for this upcoming season and doing all my new skills.

Photo Credit: Ruth Judson

What do you like to do when your not in the gym? 

I like to bake, hang out with friends, and I love going to Six Flags!

What was the hardest skill for you to learn?

Yurchenko double on vault. Not necessarily because it was hard..but just trying to make it better was a challenge.

What has gymnastics taught you that will help you in life?

It has taught me that if I focus and give it my all, I can do anything. Also, now that I've experienced so much in gymnastics, I feel like I won't be afraid of things in the real world!


                   

Click (here) to view Abby's website!