One to watch: Emily Gaskins

With her near perfect toe point and classical ballet style, Emily Gaskins is not your typical American junior gymnast. American gymnasts aren't particularly known for their artistry, so Emily's exquisite look is something that sets her apart. Thanks to her background in ballet, Emily's floor exercise is a real treat for gymnastics fans. "Before I started gymnastics I actually did ballet- like real classical ballet! I always watched my two older sisters who are trained in ballet, so growing up in Florida, my sisters and I had the opportunity to train with some of the best dancers in the World." said Gaskins.

Photo Credit: Inside Gymnastics

In the fall of 2012, Emily made a big move in order to pursue her Olympic dreams. After packing up her home in Florida, Emily headed to Cincinnati, Ohio to train with one of the most prestigious coaches in the United States- Mary Lee Tracy.  Under the guidance of Mary Lee, Emily hopes to follow in the footsteps of her teammates Lexie Priessman and Amelia Hundley by becoming one of the top gymnasts in the country and continuing to earn international assignments. "Training with Lexie and Amelia is great!" Gaskins exclaimed.  "I love training with them and watching them work hard, I look up to them."

Photo Credit: Mary Lee Tracy

Prior to qualify elite, Emily competed as a first year level 10 in the 2013 Nastia Cup and placed 2nd all around at the JO National Championships. Then she switched gears and entered the elites ranks where she had a phenomenal year. At her first elite meet- the Secret US Classic, she placed 9th all around and 5th on floor. Then at the P&G Championships she placed 10th all around, 10th on bars, and 12th on floor! Many fans assumed that would be Emily's final competition of the year, but after having a great performance at a National team camp, Emily was added to the junior national team and granted her first international assignment! At the Mexican Open, Emily helped team USA secure first place and placed 3rd all around! (She did not receive a medal due to the two per country rule though.)

Photo Credit: Mary Lee Tracy

Sadly, Emily won't become a senior until 2016, but she will continue to impress at the junior level while gaining valuable experience. In the mean time, she is keeping her goals simple and straight forward. "I'm just taking my future one step at a time. Right now I'm focusing on increasing my skill difficulty and my strength." 

Where the future will take Emily- we'll just have to wait and see, but one thing we know for sure... Emily Gaskins is one to watch!