What goes into making a floor routine?

The floor exercise is an event where a gymnast gets to display her power, artistry, and ability to perform for a crowd, all in just 90 seconds! It's exhilarating for fans to watch and certainty a pleasure for the gymnast to perform! So what exactly goes into making a world class floor routine? We caught up with 5 former/current elite gymnasts to figure out how they go about learning a new floor routine and how long is takes them to pick up on the choreography!

Elizabeth Price

"My favorite floor routine so far is the one I have now because I like the poses and the choreography. It was picked out for me and choreographed by national team dance instructor, Antonia! It took me about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to learn my current routine, but it could be longer depending on how hard the choreography is and how easily I grasp it."

Kamerin Moore

:)

                          

"I love every floor routine I've ever had because they were all perfect for my age at the time I had them. I'd have to say my favorite one was the first one I had to the song "splish splash" because it was so upbeat and the song was hilarious. Plus it was my first floor routine so I was so excited to have it! It takes about 4 hours for me to learn a floor routine and although I do get to pick out my own music, it has to be approved by my coaches. The choreography is all done by Dominic and I've never tried to give my opinion on it because everything he choreographs is amazing without any help from myself."

Samantha Peszek

         

"I don't necessarily have a favorite floor routine, but I like the fact that my floor routines have changed throughout the years. It keeps things interesting for me and for everyone watching. It is also fun to experiment with a new style. I started off in level 7 with the Wizard of Oz and moved to the "big band" type of stuff in levels 8-10. Then I went to a little bit more serious music for elite. My last few years competing elite was a type of tango and I really liked it! Now, in college I had Guns n' Roses last year and Shakira this year, so my favorite floor routine is not one routine, but the fact that I could play around with so many different ones! It doesn't take too long to learn a floor routine, it can be as fast as a few hours, but I do think it takes a lot longer to polish and put some emotion to it. It also takes a lot of work to keep the dance aspect of the routine while adding tumbling. I always had a say in my music/choreography. I think something all my routines had in common was they were fun, and I tried to send that message when I was performing them."

Briley Casanova

             
"I would say my favorite floor routine is the one I just got over the summer. Every year I love my routines even more than the last year, so this year's routine is my favorite! The choreography is a little more "fun" which is a little bit of a departure from my normal style, but it has a little more "flair" than my earlier routines. Also, I definitely have a say in the music choice and choreography. My coach/choreographer (Cecile Landi) is a great person to work with when we create routines. She trusts me, and I trust her. We make a great team in the creative process of developing floor routines. We really listen to each other and speak up if an idea for a pose or dance movie comes to one of us. Usually we can get a routine done in one private lesson in about 2 hours. That's pretty fast in my opinion!"

Peng Peng Lee

                         
"My favorite one was the one I competed at national championships in 2008. I absolutely loved that routine because it was fun and the dance was awesome. I could smile and enjoy myself while I performed. When learning new a routine, I think it depends how hard the choreography is. It normally will take me a weekend to fully learn a routine but to master and be comfortable with the movements takes me about a month. I have a little bit of a say in my floor music but normally it is chosen for me. "


Read our other question posts with elite gymnasts:

What's the hardest skill in gymnastics?

How do you balance elite gymnastics and school?

What's the difference between elite and college gymnastics?

What are you thinking during your routine?

What's in your gym bag?

All you need to know about the Nastia Cup.

Lately, I've been getting a lot of questions regarding the Nastia Cup. So I decided to enlighten you all on this top notch level 10 competition!

What is it?

The Nastia Cup is what I like to call the Olympics for level 10 gymnasts. It's a chance for them to compete against some of the top level 10's in the country, on a stage that's much bigger than they're use to. Having the opportunity to compete on a podium. in front of a TV camera, and in front of the national team staff is huge for a  level 10!

History of the event.

The Nastia Cup started in 2010 and was called the Supergirl Cup in it's inaugural year. In 2011, the name of the competition changed to simply the Nastia Cup. The meet uses the "perfect 10" scoring system, which is used in level 10 competition. The Nastia Cup is held the day before the American Cup and it's in the same arena. The meet has been shown on the Universal Sports Network for the past 3 years.

Who competes there?

The Nastia Cup is considered "open" which means level 10 and elite gymnasts who are not on the national team can compete there. To qualify to the Nastia Cup you must compete in a invitational that is apart of the "Nastia Liukin Cup Series" and place 1st all around. The winner of the junior and senior category of every invitational qualify's to the Nastia Cup. Many gymnasts who once competed in the Nastia Cup have gone on to become great things. The winner of the first ever Nastia Cup was Lexie Priessman, who is the current junior national champion. Gabby Douglas placed 4th all around that same year and went on to win the all around gold at the 2012 Olympics. This competition is a great place to find young talent.

2013 Nastia Liukin Cup Series.


Circle of Stars Gymnastics Invitational, Indianapolis, Ind., Jan. 11-13
The Atlanta Crown Invitational, Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 11-13
Pikes Peak Cup, Colorado Springs, Colo., Jan. 18-20
CGA Coaches Spectacular, Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. 18-20
Kim Zmeskal's Texas Prime Meet, Irving, Texas, Jan. 18-20
Lady Luck Invitational, Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 18-20
Sand Dollar/Whitlow Invitational, Kissimmee, Fla., Jan. 25-27
Wisconsin Dells Gymnastics Vacation Classic, Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Jan. 25-27
Parkettes Invitational, Allentown, Pa., Jan. 25-27
San Diego Classic, San Diego, Calif., Jan. 25-27
Fiesta Bowl Invitational, Chandler, Ariz., Feb. 8-10
Charity Choice Invitational, Tacoma, Wash., Feb. 8-10
IGI Chicago Style, Chicago, Ill., Feb. 8-10
Gliders Invitational, Ontario, Calif., Feb. 8-9
The Magical Classic, Orlando, Fla., Feb. 15-16
Buckeye Classic, Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 15-17
Presidential Classic, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Feb. 15-17
WOGA Classic, Frisco, Texas, Feb. 15-17
Arizona Sunrays Classic Rock Invitational, Phoenix, Ariz., Feb. 15-17

You can watch the full version of last year's cup below.  

         

Written by: Ashlee

8 Questions with Olympic head coach John Geddert

For John Geddert, the passion for coaching began in his early college days. During his senior year at Central Michigan, John began coaching a high school gymnastics team and soon discovered that coaching was something he wanted to pursue. In 1980, he moved to Maryland to coach at one of the top gyms in the country, the Marvateens. He coached there for four years and then made his way back home to Michigan, where he started coaching at Great Lakes Gymnastics. Many of John's first elite gymnasts were coached at Great Lakes. In 1996, John and his wife Kathryn opened up their own gym, Gedderts Twistars USA Gymnastics Club and the rest is history. In just 16 short years, John's program has been put on the map, with several top Level 10 and elite athletes going from his gym. Now that the 2012 Olympics are over, his career has come full circle. He can now proudly call himself the head coach of a gold medal winning team! We talked to John about the Olympic experience and what's in store for Twistars Gymnastics.

John with Jordyn and his wife Kathryn.  Photo Credit: Unknown

Triple Twist: How would you sum up the whole Olympic experience?

John: The entire Olympic experience is something that I have worked for my entire life. I really don't think many people grasp the totality of the situation. It's not that we woke up one day with an Olympian, it's the 25 plus years of learning, trying, failing, adjusting, and persevering that eventually reaps the ultimate goals.... and for some coaches IT NEVER HAPPENS. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity, the athlete to accomplish the goals, the gym to support the process and a national training system that pointed us in the right direction. This Olympic experience featured the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, so we got to see it all and the records will show.... Jordyn Wieber- 2012 Olympic Champion... John Geddert- 2012 Head Coach for the USA Olympic Team. The experience was incredible.

Triple Twist: What did you say to Jordyn after the qualifying round? How do you handle a moment like that as a coach? 

John: The results of the qualifying round were devastating.  To see the pain on the face of my athlete is more than any coach would ever want to endure. She was crushed and I was helpless to ease her pain. I did tell her how very sorry I was, and after a few moments to let her drain the emotions I did remind her that she would handle the disappointment like the true champion she was, she would handle it with the grace and dignity that she had always handled her successes. No excuses, and she had full support for her teammates.

Triple Twist: Have you talked to Jordyn about her future plans?

John: Jordyn has been fairly quiet in regards to her future plans. I know she is loving the tour and the performances associated with the Kelloggs Tour of Champions. She has earned a little down time and the opportunity to just have FUN!. If she decides that she would like to continue, we of course would do all in our power to make sure her success in the sport continues. If she decides that she has had enough, we would support her in that decision also.

Triple Twist: You recently reunited with the Fierce 5 at the Detroit tour stop. How was it to see everyone together again? 

John: It was great to see Aly, Gabby, Mckayla and Jo... they all seemed so happy and loving "living in the moment". They were a great team to be associated with, no prima donnas or super star attitudes. (Both at worlds and the Olympics). 

Triple Twist: What has life been like for you after the Olympics?

John: Well the world did not stop turning that is for sure. My gyms are packed with an all time high enrollment, so it was not long before it was back to reality. I have had some speaking engagements (I actually kind of like sharing the Olympic Story), coaches educational projects (one of my biggest goals) and was inducted to my High School Hall of Fame (very cool). I have enjoyed the notoriety, support and recognition from the gymnastics community.

Triple Twist: What do you think is in store for you and Twistars in the future?

John: I have always said you are only as good as your next performance. I can assure you that Twistars will not be resting on past accomplishments. We have a strong program and are committed to helping athletes of all levels achieve their individual goals and aspirations. We do have a large group of fast track athletes (about 15) and they show great potential. We will see where that takes us. I love coaching dedicated, determined, and motivated athletes. It is simply in my blood.

Triple Twist: If you could go back in time, knowing what you know now as a coach, would you do anything differently?

John: If I had to start my career over, I would do so with the well learned lesson that PATIENCE is essential in the long term development of athletes. Early on I fell victim to wanting success and progress overnight and pushed far to hard to get there. Since learning the art of patience, our program has developed at a greater and more consistent pace and the athletes are far more motivated and anxiety free. Patience in development should not be confused with accepting mediocrity in training, rather it is a developed coaching tool that guides us as to when to push and when to back off.

Triple Twist: You have had a long journey with Jordyn, what has been your greatest memory?

John: The entire journey is a great memory. She was the perfect athlete for me... we clicked. My favorite memory would have to be her coming out party at her first American Cup. She was relatively unknown and simply rocked that competition. Her competitiveness was forever etched in my mind. Then of course the come back, never give up, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP would have to rate right up there also.

John Geddert celebrating with team USA. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Follow John on Twitter
Check out his website for tips and instructional coaching DVD's.

Interview done by: Ashlee

Catalina Ponor- Final Dismount

At an age that is considered ancient in the sport of gymnastics, 25 year old Catalina Ponor of Romania announced her retirement from the sport that has been her life at the elite level the past 8 years. Fans from across the globe watched as the Romanian queen took her final bow during the floor event finals at the 2012 London Olympics.

Just 8 years earlier, Ponor was a 3 time Olympic gold medalist in the 2004 Athens games (team, balance beam, and floor) and became the first gymnast since Daniela Silivaş in 1988 to win 3 gold medals in a Olympic Games. After her success in Athens, Catalina seemed content with her medal count. "I'm very happy for my medals. Today it was a dream that came true. I would like to thank my coaches for the courage they gave me during the competition, and for the preparation. The atmosphere was wonderful, simply unique. Adding these two titles to the team's gold is an amazing feeling. I was not afraid that I was going to lose the gold medal on Floor. When I won the gold medal on Balance Beam, I was very emotional. I had wished to win that medal forever. I became even more emotional when I won the gold medal on Floor Exercise, because it became a second gold medal, and a gold medal is very hard to get." Catalina competed briefly in 2005-2007, retiring after the 2007 World Championships due to ongoing injuries.

                           

In March, Ponor began training again with the Romanian national team under the newly returned coaches Octavian Belu and Mariana Bitang. At the beginning of August, Ponor had a minor medical procedure to correct a congenital heart defect that was causing an arrhythmia. Luckily, she was able to resume training that very week. "I had a congenital problem I was born with, but I went to the doctor and all is well. This will not stop me in making a successful comeback" At the end of August, Ponor competed at the Romanian National Championships in Onesti, Romania where she placed second on balance beam and third on floor^. In October, Ponor competed at the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. She helped the Romanian team place fourth and individually she placed seventh in the balance beam final. But Catalina wanted more.  "I want to do the same thing that I did in 2004. It was hard to make a comeback, but all the time I was thinking that I could do it. I will not relax till I reach my goal." That goal, would include multiple medals at the 2012 London Olympics, and maybe even a few gold.

I watched Catalina compete in 2004 and was captivated by how powerful her gymnastics was. It's incredible to know that 8 years later, she can still hang with some of the very best  in the world. Even though Catalina only left London with a team bronze and silver on floor (with one of the best routines I've seen, might I add!) she wants to make it clear that she leaves this sport with no regrets. "I will say it again, I want everyone to know, I will quit without regrets. I have worked every second for my team, I have worked every second for myself, I have worked every second for everybody. I have already been an Olympic champion. I will quit gymnastics with my chin up." Catalina will always be remembered for her elegant beam work, powerful tumbling, and inspiring determination. Not many people could make a successful comeback to a sport like gymnastics after 4 years of not stepping foot in the gym. Not to mention she only had 7 months to produce world class routines on every event. For Catalina Ponor, impossible is clearly just a word.

         

While it was hard to see one of Romania's legends say farewell to the sport, Catalina is certain gymnastics will always be apart of her "For now, I want to have a vacation so I can relax my mind. Afterwards, I want to try to do something like coaching." Catalina is currently training for the Mexico Gala in November, although she has not committed to continue competing in gymnastics. 

Your gymnastics will certainty be missed Catalina!

More articles on Catalina's retirement:

http://www.romania-insider.com/romanian-gymnast-catalina-ponor-retires-after-london-games-with-five-career-olympic-medals/62830/

http://www.gymnastike.org/coverage/248218-2012-London-Olympics/article/13971-Catalina-Ponor-Says-Farewell-One-Final-Time

http://www.examiner.com/article/ponor-announces-her-retirement



Written by: Brittany

From elite to high school gymnastics!

How would a high school gymnastics team like to have a former elite gymnast on their team? It's not very common in the world of gymnastics, but Claire Hammen, a former elite and current level 10 from GK Gymnastics takes high school gymnastics to a whole new level! Claire competed as an elite gymnast from 2010 to early 2012, she joined her high school gymnastics team her sophomore year and is currently competing as a level 10 gymnast. Claire has verbally committed to the University of Denver, although she can not officially sign until her senior year of high school. We talked to Claire about competing on her high school gymnastics team where she is currently the regional all around, vault, and floor champion. Claire was also named "Colorodo Gymnast of the Year!"




Left: Claire 3rd from the left with her elite teammates Right: Claire far left with her high school teammates.

Claire on the elite scene. 

                     

Triple Twist: What made you decide to compete in high school gymnastics?

Claire: I just wanted to have more fun in the gym!

Triple Twist: Did you have to modify any of your routines in order to compete for your school?

Claire: I had to modify all my events. I watered them down to fit the high school rules. I do some basic skills and some hard skills depending on the rules for that event. All my routines start from a 10.

Triple Twist: Are you one of the most advanced girls on your team?

Claire: I am one of the most advanced girls on my school team, but a couple of my club teammates compete for another school creating good competition!

Triple Twist: How does your school training work? Does it ever interfere with your club training?

Claire: The season started the first week of September and training started mid August. I go to club everyday, but we don't have practice on Thursday, so that's when I go to high school practice. It doesn't really interfere with club!

Triple Twist: What's your favorite part about high school gymnastics?

Claire: My favorite part is that its fun and I love having the team aspect. In high school it's more of a team sport, in club its more individual.

Claire on the high school scene.

Click here to visit Claire's website.
Watch Claire at States here.

Photo Credit: Report Herald

Written by: Ashlee

The Gymnastics Mini Me's

As we patiently wait for the 2013 gymnastics season to roll around, we can't help but think about who's going to be the next big thing. Due to the fact that I spend a good chunk of my day on the internet, I've come to realize that a lot of the upcoming junior/senior athletes, remind me of a past Olympian. So I've compiled a list of 9 up and coming stars who I think have the potential to make it big someday.

Polina Shchennikova is the new Nastia Liukin

Perhaps the most obvious of the group, 14 year old Polina Shchennikova bears striking similarities to 2008 Olympic AA champion Nastia Liukin. With her long lean lines, stunning flexiblity, and a mother-father duo as her coach, Polina is poised to make her mark on the national scene. Like Liukin, Polina was born in Moscow Russia, to Soviet gymnasts Katia and Alex Shchennikova. She also has a sister Alyona who is on the National TOPS team. Polina trains at Tigar Gymnastics in Colorado and one of her goals is to compete internationally. It's no surprise that Polina lists Nastia Liukin as her role model! In an interview with the Couch Gymnast, Polina said "I really love her performance from the Olympics. Everything she does is so beautiful and gorgeous.  She’s very flexible and so am I.  It makes me think I could definitely be like her!" Did we mention her favorite event is the uneven bars??

Watch Polina and Nastia on bars! 

Bailie Key is the new Yao Jinnan

She just might be the next darling of the sport, 13 year old Bailie Key shares many of the same qualities as 2012 Olympian Yao Jinnan. These 2 pint size athletes share that adorable smile and clean-powerful style of gymnasts, which is something that we rarely see in gymnasts today. Both girls have beautiful floor tumbling, as well as cutesy choreography that sends gymnastics fans in a tizzy! Bailie trains at Texas Dreams Gymnastics in Coppell, Texas and says her biggest goal is to make the 2016 Olympic Team.

Watch Bailie and Yao on floor! 

Nia Dennis is the new Gabby Douglas 

 Reppin' a similar style to 2012 Olympic Champion Gabby Douglas, 12 year old Nia Dennis shows the shades of the future "Flying Squirrel" . Nia soars on her best event, the uneven bars and even has an amanar vault in the works. Nia says her goals are to "make it to Visa Championships, then to the National Team, then the Olympics, and then go to college!". She currently trains at Buckeye Gymnastics in Westerville, Ohio.

Watch Nia and Gabby on bars! 

Norah Flatley is the new Shawn Johnson

Level 10 standout Norah Flatley has been on the gymnastics radar for quite some time now, as she is expected to test for elite early next year! Norah is another one of Chow's star pupils, who excels on the balance beam like 2008 Olympic gold medalist, Shawn Johnson. Like Shawn, Norah is tiny and powerful with very clean lines. Not to mention she is as cute as a button! I'm looking forward to seeing what Norah can bring to the elite scene!

Watch Norah and Shawn on beam! 

Madison Kocian is the new Rebecca Bross

Ever since Madison Kocian stepped onto the elite scene in 2009, I couldn't get over how similar her gymnastics is to her teammate Rebecca Bross. Madison and Rebecca have VERY similar routines on every single event, and they even had similar floor choreography at one point. Just like Bross, Madison does a great job of hitting every handstand on bars and sticking every dismount. She also has had a string of unfortunate injury's throughout the end of her junior career (like Bross in 2008) and will hopefully be ready to return to the gymnastics scene this year as a senior! Madison currently trains at WOGA in Plano, Texas and she has also verbally committed to UCLA!

Watch Madison  and Rebecca on bars!

Nica Hults is the new Kyla Ross

Another one of the talented "Dream Team" members (Texas Dreams Gymnastics), 13 year old Veronica Hults is slowly but surely starting to climb the ranks of elite gymnastics. Nica shares a style very similar to 2012 Olympic Champion Kyla Ross, both girls have elegant lines, sturdy balance beam work, and a quite demeanor that fans can't help but love! Did I mention that both girls were born in Honolulu, Hawaii? Nica says her biggest goal is to "Take gymnastics as far as I can, hopefully that means making it to the Olympics"

Watch Nica and Kyla on beam!

 Lexie Priessman is the new Jordyn Wieber

15 year old Lexie Priessman is ready to make a splash on the international scene as a  first year senior gymnast. Lexie throw's many of the big skills that Wieber performs, such as a double double on floor, standing full on beam (she's upgrading this year to a back handspring back handspring laid out full to a back handspring!) and a rock solid amanar on vault. Lexie won the junior divison of the 2012 VISA Championships, just as Wieber did back in 2008. It looks to me, like Lexie is following in the footsteps of Wieber's success!

Watch Lexie and Jordyn on floor!

Madison Desch is the new Rebecca Tunney

Both Madison and Rebecca open up on floor with a huge whip to double arabian that typically does a great job of getting the crowd pumped up! Like Rebecca, Madison is slowly making her name be known with a 2nd place finish at the 2012 VISA Championships and a remarkable floor set that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats! Rebecca was one of those athletes that people doubted would make the Olympic team due to a shaky performance at the 2012 American Cup. But just a few months later, Rebecca was at the Olympics representing GB as one of the top all arounders! I think the talent of both Madison and Rebecca gets overshadowed and considering how young they both are, they still have plenty of time to peak!

Watch Madison and Rebecca on Floor!

Maggie Nichols is the new Chellsie Memmel

The first time I watched Maggie compete, I couldn't stop thinking about how much she reminded me of 2008 Olympian Chellsie Memmel. She looks like a younger version of Memmel (maybe 2003-2005?) and her beam work is similar to Chellsie. Maggie doesn't quite have the same amount of difficulty as Memmel, but she is only a junior so I think that can come with time!

Watch Maggie and Chellsie on beam!

Written by: Brittany

Happy Sweet 16 to Kyla Ross!

A collection of letters, videos, and collages from some of Kyla's biggest fans! 

Dear Kyla,

HAPPY SWEET 16!! You are beyond amazing and I’ve loved watching your gymnastics since 2009. I hope you know how big of an impact you’ve had on me, and everyone else in the gymnastics community. You have always taken the time respond to me although I try not to bug you and that means a lot, so thank you! You have made me realize just how much I love this sport and so much more! You will never truly know how much you’ve done for me because it is indescribable and you’ve done it by just being you. Getting to watch you in London was a dream come true, you really shined! Maybe Rio will be even better ;D. But beyond the fact that you are a fantastic gymnast, you are a really nice person! All your fans realize that and that is why we have all contributed something to this blog to show our appreciation to you. I really hope you’ll take the time to scroll down and look at everyone’s individually. I know they all care a great deal because I decided on this project about 3 days ago and with everyone’s busy schedules, that’s not very much time to be given for as a deadline. So enjoy!

From your biggest fan,

                                XOXO-@kylarossfans

Kyla,

I, and all of your other fans around the world, would like to wish you a Happy Birthday! You have the best bar and beam routine around! You did amazing in the 2012 Olympics by winning the Gold, and I can’t wait to see you in Rio in 2016. I hope you have a great sophomore year, and a wonderful Sweet 16. Happy Birthday!

Your number 1 fan,

Kevin Steiner

(@kstein14)

Dear Kyla,
You became an Olympic gold medalist at the tender age of 15 and now you're moving into another phase of your life, we all wish you nothing but luck, we love you so much and are SO proud of you. Here's to your next big achievement! Happy Birthday!
Sincerely,
We love you, see you in Rio!

(@Keke1014)

             

 (@lauren_stevens2)

(@LibbyDaniells)

Hi Kyla! Happy birthday!

You are one of my favorite gymnasts! Congrats for being an Olympic champion!

I'd like to wish you all the best for the upcoming years and i definitely wish to see you doing well in the world of gymnastics and beyond!

I will always support you as a fan! Crossing my fingers to see you once again in Rio2016!

(@AmitFinkel)

(@fresher_than_fruit) 

Happy Birthday Kyla! You are amazing and I hope you have a great birthday!! You are an awesome gymnast!!
I love you!

K. Kapplinger

HAPPPY B DAY KYLA YOU PROBABLY WILL NEVER KNOW ME BUT I AM SO GLAD I SAW YOU
DO YOUR AMAZING GYMNASTICS. I am also a gymnast a level 7 an I am eleven years old If you would like to email me do it at littlesher@verizon.net
Please I would die if you emailed me back in a good way!!!! Thank You

-Sheridan

I just want to say happy birthday, and that you are amazing and a huge inspiration.
Love, 

Jessica

(maddierule6) 

(@fiercefive_xoxo)

 

(@USAgymnast97)

-Sarah

 

(@samlane26)

 

Dear Kyla,
I admire you so much! But, this ain't about me! Sooooo... well... I just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You are a great person and should be happy of all your accomplishments. You are young and should enjoy your day's joys. I one day hope to be like you, not just competing at an international level, but just being as strong as you in hard times.
<3 Alyssa Cavazos

@gymgal_is_awesome

 

Dear Kyla Ross,
Happy 16th birthday omigosh! You are the most amazing gymnast ever. And at only 16 years old, you are a spectacular inspiration to all young gymnasts. At the 2012 Olympics you shined. You are overlooked by many people but deserve to be known as the best! Sure, you didn't win AA gold like Gabby, vault like Mckayla, kill like Aly or win Worlds like Jordyn but you really contributed to the team! The point is that without your strong bars, beam and team spirit the team would not have won gold at the Olympics!!! The second team for the USA in history! You should be beaming with pride! Since you are barely 16 you have another realistic shot of competing at 2016 Rio. Of course, if you decide you're done, your fans will support you 100%.

I find it so outstanding that you traveled to the Olympics with one of your best friends from your childhood! You and Mckayla are a great example anything can happen of you put your mind to it!

Okay so bye! I know if you actually read this you wouldn't have time to answer with the Kellogs tour and all. Butttttt if you did decide to answer I would probably fan girl till I passed out!!
I love you Kyla and remember so do the rest of your fans!
Happy 16th!

(@gymnastics_edits_8)

 

(@Annaburnsy)

 

-Eric

 

(@amanda_carmela)

 

 

Happy Birthday Kyla!!! Hope you enjoy your sweet 16! :D

-Lorenzo, Dillon, and Josh

(@igetbucketz)

 

(@witeboipinoy)

 

(@gymnastprobszz)

 

Happy Sweet Sixteen Kyla

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!Kyla I hope you have an Awesome and Fun Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are such an inspiration and such an awesome Role-Model!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May your path to the future be filled joy and abundance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -------

-westward1969

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Italian Fans

 

(@gymnasticfanatic)

-Catherine

 

 

 

Jump off the beam, flip off the bars, follow your dreams and reach the stars. Congratulation Kyla, you had followed your dream,you don't only reach the stars, you had became a star!! Congratulation Kyla, Happy Birthday for your sixteen B-day.

-La Ester

 

(@tidez)

 

-Berlyn

 

(@lovethefiercefive)

 

(@kendalia15)

(@fiercefivegymnast)

 

 

-Zoe

 

-Titus

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM TRIPLE TWIST!!!