Quick Chat with Konnor McClain

Konnor McClain is an up and coming star for USA Gymnastics. A lot has changed since those YouTube videos where she was flipping around at four years old.  Now at the age of 12, she is making a strong impression while getting her feet wet on the elite scene. Last year at the 2016 Hopes Championships, Konnor took home four gold medals (vault, bars, beam, and all-around) and a silver on floor. The year prior she took home a silver on beam and finished fourth all-around. Konnor's talent was recognized and featured on the Steve Harvey show in 2016, a rare opportunity for a gymnast her age. Her talent was also recognized by the national team staff as she was invited to her first national team camp in June. As she prepares for her first competition season as a junior elite, Konnor shows a lot of potential to grow and improve. What stands out the most is her clean form on every event as well as her confidence every time she steps up to compete. Her beam routine is noteworthy as well with a 5.7 start value and some big skills like a standing tucked full. With some experience under her belt and a few upgrades, Konnor can definitely hang with the big kids in the future.

With this interview we hope that you'll get to know a little bit more about this rising star.

PC: John Cheng

How did you get started in gymnastics? 
I started because of my sister. She would come back from the gym with a new skill and then 15 minutes later I would come in the room and do the same skill!

Who is your inspiration in gymnastics? 
I look up to Aly Raisman the most. Ever since I was little she has always been the one I look up to.

Are you homeschooled or do you go to public school? 
I'm homeschooled!

What are your goals for the upcoming season? 
To qualify to P&G's and hopefully make the junior national team.

Are you working on any upgrades that you can share? 
I'm working on a full out dismount on bars, an onodi on beam, and a double double on floor. That's about it.

What are some of your long term goals? 
My future goals are to make the Olympic team in 2024 and to win the all-around gold medal!

What do you like to do when you're not in the gym? 
I like to draw when I'm not in the gym. I also like to hangout with my siblings.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far? 
I have a couple of moments. One of them was when I won the Hopes Championships last year. Also, this year when I got invited to national team camp.

What is it like going to the camps? 
It has been such a great opportunity to attend the camps and so much fun!

What is your favorite event? 
My favorite event just depends on the day. My least favorite event is probably floor.

What's something that a lot of people might not know about you?
I'm really quiet in the gym but outside of the gym I'm not quiet at all!

What was it like being on the Steve Harvey show? 
It was really fun being on Steve Harvey. They emailed my mom when they saw me on YouTube and then they interviewed me. I was a little nervous at first but it was okay once I got there!

(Click here to watch Konnor on the Steve Harvey show)