Quick Chat with Maile O'Keefe

Maile O'Keefe is a junior international elite from Las Vegas, Nevada who is entering her third year at the elite level. She trains for 30-40 hours a week under Sorin and Tammy Salcianu  at Salcianu Elite- The Academy of Gymnastics & Dance. Last year Maile finished sixth all around and second on floor at the Secret Classic and thirteenth all around at the P&G Championships. Her strong performance during the competition season and throughout the monthly developmental camps earned her one of two spots to represent the United States at the Pan American Gymnastics Union Camp last November. Most recently, at the WOGA Classic, Maile finished fourth all around in the junior division. While Maile won't become a senior until 2018, she shows a lot of promise for the future. We caught up with Maile to talk about upgrades/goals for this season and more!

Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics

How did you get started in gymnastics? 
Well, when I was little, my cousin was a gymnast and he was teaching me cartwheels and that kind of stuff in my backyard. So my Aunt got me a one month free trial for Christmas!

Who is your gymnastics idol? 
Alicia Sacramone because when she falls, she gets back up and tries again.

What has been your proudest moment thus far in your career? 
Winning sixth place all-around at the 2014 Secret Classic.

You're currently the only elite gymnast in Nevada, how does that feel?
It's pretty cool knowing that you're a "one of a kind" in your state.

What has been the coolest thing you've got to experience since becoming an elite? 
Probably meeting Simone Biles! I met her at the 2014 Secret Classic and I was thinking 'dang, this girl is really short and funny!'

What do you like to do when you're not in the gym?
When I'm not in the gym I like to hang out with my friends and do my nails.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a physical therapist because I think the body is really interesting.

Are you working on any upgrades for this season? 
A double pike off beam. (Maile is also working a double layout off bars.)

What are your goals for this season?
My goal for this season is to do my best and hopefully place top six at P&G's.

What is your long term goal? 
My long term goal is to make it to the 2020 Olympics!

What is the best piece of advice you've been given? 
That it doesn't matter how hard you get knocked down,  it's how hard you get knocked down and still keep going.