Riley McCusker | The Latest Rising Star From MG Elite

Only four years ago, an unknown gym was just emerging onto the elite scene. The gym was called Monmouth Gymnastics--now better known as MG Elite--from Morganville, New Jersey. In just a few short years, Maggie Haney and her assistant Victoria Levine have took that unknown gym and built an empire of some of the strongest elite gymnasts in the country; Laurie Hernandez, the gym's first elite gymnast, was the Junior National Champion in 2015 and was recently selected as a member of the 2016 Olympic Team. Former MG Elite gymnast, Ariana Agrapides became the Junior National Champion on vault during her first year of elite in 2013. Jazmyn Foberg won the Junior National Championships during her first appearance in 2014 and is also a member of the National Team.

Enter fifteen year old, Riley McCusker--MG Elite's newest elite and rising star!

John Cheng 

Riley got her start in gymnastics in a way that's different from most. At six years of age, she was actually taking swimming lessons, however she was always more interested in doing cartwheels into the pool rather than swimming. Naturally, Riley's mom signed her up for gymnastics classes instead and it's been her passion ever since.

Riley continued to grow and progress in the sport throughout the years. She looked up to 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, Kyla Ross and idolized her for her "clean and beautiful lines." Eventually the idea of becoming an elite gymnast herself seemed within her reach. Riley also remembers watching Jazmyn Foberg and Laurie Hernandez have success in the elite ranks and knowing a gym change was necessary if she wanted to reach her full potential. "I knew that I had to make a change or my dreams would not be possible to reach," she said. "I knew that MG Elite is where I wanted to be because it's a small team environment and that is best for me." In October of 2015, Riley began training at MG Elite with the hopes of qualifying to the junior elite level, however, she knew she would have to make some sacrifices. That's why she lives with a teammate in New Jersey during the week so she can focus on her training. After practice on Saturday she heads back home to New Milford, Connecticut to spend the weekend with her family. On Monday morning, it's a two hour drive back to New Jersey in order to train with the best.

Training with the best means working alongside those girls she once looked up to-- who she now views as her second family. As members of the National Team, Laurie Hernandez and Jazmyn Foberg have been able to show Riley the ropes and help guide her through the in's and out's of elite competition. "Training along side Laurie and Jazzy in incredible because they are such great role models," she said. With their support, advice, and friendship; along with coach Maggie's guidance, Riley began to achieve the things she never imagined she would.

John Cheng 

One of those things happened in March, when Riley's biggest dream became a reality, "Qualifying to elite this season was surreal to me," she recalled. "I had been dreaming of that moment ever since I knew what elite was!" However, obtaining elite status was only the beginning.

Riley's first elite competition was down at the Karolyi Ranch for the American Classic where she finished 5th all-around and third on beam. Her performance qualified her straight to the P&G Championships, however, she would first compete at the Secret Classic to gain more consistency with some new skills and get acquainted with competing on a podium. Riley brought a very competitive level of difficulty and performed well overall. Despite a fall on beam, she still finished 9th all-around and also finished fourth on bars. Her moment to shine was still to come.

Heading into the P&G Championships, Riley only had one expectation for herself-- to do exactly what she does in the gym. As a first year elite and a first year qualifier to Championships, not many eyes were on Riley to be a medal contender, however she was representing a gym that now has a history of producing some of the top junior elite gymnasts throughout the quadrennium, so there at least some expectations from the gymternet for her to perform well.

 Riley did not disappoint, excelling over both days of competition and doing the job with confidence. With the way she attacked each event, you never would have guessed she was brand new to the scene, but Riley knew how much hard work she had put in and wanted to show that off, "It's fun to show of all your hard work and represent your team and coach." she said. At the conclusion of the meet, Riley had officially continued the success for MG Elite, finishing second on bars, beam, floor, and in the all-around. She also secured her spot on the junior national team-- the first national team since 2001 that will not be under the guidance of the legendary Martha Karolyi, who is retiring in August.

John Cheng 

After such a strong first year of elite, Riley not only surprised the gymternet with her performances, but she admits she even surprised herself, "It feels amazing to do as well as I did because I wasn't expecting any of it." Riley told us. "I never knew that I could do it, but my coach Maggie was always telling me that I could." Another perk of being an elite gymnast? The fans! "I love competing in front of fans because I love to inspire other people to follow their dreams." she said.

When Riley is not in the gym training she's just being your average teenager who loves swimming, paddle boarding, hiking, playing with her dogs, and hanging out with friends. However, her time and dedication truly lies in the gym where she trains for over thirty hours a week. With her first year of elite in the books, she is in the gym working harder than ever to prepare for next season when she becomes a senior. Her goals are to add some upgrades and compete at the World Championships, "I know that on bars I am going to add some connections for next year and get my double on vault!" Riley added. Of course she has her eyes set on bigger things in the future as well--competing at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and competing in college for the University of Florida. However, coach Maggie has other Olympic dreams she must first tend to. For the next several weeks she will be in Rio for the Olympics with Laurie Hernandez; Riley is eagerly awaiting her return, "I know I will learn so much, I can't wait until Maggie gets back from Rio!" she exclaimed.

Riley came to MG Elite inspired to reach the elite level, having seen what Maggie had done with Laurie Hernandez. Now as she watches them in Rio, she'll be dreaming of maybe, just maybe, having her own Olympic success in 2020.

 

Olympic Trials | What about the other five?

Last weekend we were treated to plenty of gymnastics action, however there was also plenty of amazing gymnastics that we didn't see. (Thanks, NBC!) While I get that NBC's job is to focus on the girls who are in contention for spots on the team, it would still be nice to see at least one routine from everybody, considering there were only fourteen gymnasts competing in the whole competition. The Olympic Trials are a special moment and for some gymnasts it's their time to shine. The Olympic Trials are their Olympics!

While you might not have seen these ladies competing (unless you were lucky enough to be in San Jose) they are just as talented and special as the eight girls named to the Olympic squad. (And Maggie Nichols, of course!) So here's some recognition to the five girls you didn't see! (Shout out to @jovialjacki for recording some of the routines!) Also thank you to Christina, Emily, Amelia, and Rachel for contributing to the article!

Christina Desiderio 

John Cheng 

• 1st year senior 
• Won bronze on floor at the 2016 Secret Classic 
• Has a 16.0 start value on floor 
• 1 of 5 US women (senior) to compete a double double on floor
• Committed to LSU (2018-2019)

"I was extremely honored to participate in such a prestigious event, the Olympic Trials! At first I thought I was going to feel overwhelmed, but surprisingly I was not as nervous as I thought I would be. The highlight of the meet for me was making my bar routine on both days. I also enjoyed bonding more with the girls-- we had so much fun! Competing in front of 19,000 people was amazing! I plan to stay elite and hopefully get lots of international assignments and maybe even make the 2017 Worlds team before I leave for college." 

Emily Schild 

John Cheng

• Won bronze on vault at the 2013 Secret Classic 
• Member of the gold medal winning team at the Pan American Games in 2015
• Placed 1st with the team, 3rd on vault, and 7th all-around at the 2016 Jesolo Trophy 
• Has a 16.4 start value on bars
• Committed to the University of Georgia (2017-2018)

"Competing at Trials was truly amazing. It's always such an honor to wear USA on your back knowing that you are among the very best gymnasts in the USA. The highlight for me was the crowd. They had such an amazing energy! Knowing that at the end of the night we'd have an Olympic team chosen added to the excitement! As for the future, I will continue competing elite until I leave for Georgia!" 

Amelia Hundley 

John Cheng 

• Member of the US National Team for 5 years
• Became the junior National Champion on her "weakest" event (bars) in 2013
• Team gold, floor silver, and bronze on bars at the 2015 Pan American Games 
• 3rd all-around at the 2016 Stuttgart World Cup 
• Signed with the University of Florida (2016-2017)

"It was just the most amazing experience and it makes all the hard times and sacrifices worth it. One of the highlights of the week was on the first night walking out for introduction and they announce your name with 19,000 people screaming in that huge arena! I am now very excited to start school at the University of Florida and have a great and fun college experience." 

Rachel Gowey

John Cheng 

"Competing at Olympic Trials was an experience I will never forget. With all the injuries I have faced in the past couple of years, I would have never pictured myself getting this far. It was the most fun I've ever had competing, especially with a close group of girls and cheering everybody on! A highlight of the competition would definitely be improving all of my routines day 2 and giving it my all. My beam routine on day 2 was probably my best beam routine that I have ever competed and I was just so grateful to have this experience. My future plans are to attend the University of Florida this coming fall and be on the gymnastics team. I am so beyond excited to start this chapter in my life!" 

• Won bronze on beam at the 2014 Secret Classic 
• Won 2 gold medals at the 2015 Pan American Games--team and uneven bars!
• 2nd all-around at the 2016 Secret Classic 
• One of very few gymnasts who have competed a 3.5 twist on floor
• Signed with the University of Florida (2016-2017)

Brenna Dowell 

John Cheng 

• Member of the US National Team for six years 
• Has a skill named after her in the code of points (front handspring-double pike) 
• 2nd all-around at the 2014 American Cup
• Member of the 2015 World Championships gold medal winning team.
• Gold with the team and silver on floor at the 2016 Pacific Rim
• Competed as a freshman at the University of Oklahoma in 2015. Will return to the team this season!

Polina Shchennikova | Ready For The Next Chapter

For Polina Shchennikova, a future in gymnastics was practically a given from the moment she was born. Her parents, former Soviet gymnasts Katia and Alex Shchennikova, moved to the United States from Moscow, Russia a year after Polina was born to accept a coaching job. The rest, as they say, is history.

Polina was always in the gym with her parents and eventually started taking classes herself at the age of four. One of her earliest memories in the sport is learning a new skill with her mother. "It was only me and my mom in the gym and she was teaching me how to do a kip," Polina recalled. "After many failed attempts and my mom's motivational words, I made it. I was so happy!" Polina's parents moved from gym to gym looking for the right fit--and with them they brought their talented daughter. They needed a gym where she could continue to progress and achieve her goal of becoming an elite gymnast.

Polina with her mother and coach Katia

After many years of hard-work and dedication, Polina's dream became a reality, qualifying to junior elite in 2010 at the age of twelve. At her first major elite competition, the Covergirl Classic, mistakes cost her the chance to qualify through to the Visa Championships. However, in 2011 she came back much stronger placing 3rd all-around at the American Classic and 15th on bars at the Visa Championships. It was at this time that many gymnastics fans first took notice of Polina and her beautiful gymnastics. The comparisons to her idol, Nastia Liukin began to roll in, but understandably so. Both gymnasts were Russian born and American raised, they trained under their parents, and showed extreme flexibility and poise in their gymnastics; so the comparison was only fitting!

While Polina's elegance comes natural, the dance component of the sport is something she holds to a high regard. "I have loved to dance my entire life! Although I've never had any formal dance training, any chance I got-- I would dance. I would have random "dance parties" in my room, in the shower, and during practice. I even tried out for the Nutcracker when I was very little." she said.

                                 


2012 was a breakout year for Polina, she placed 2nd all-around at the coveted Nastia Liukin Cup and 2nd on uneven bars at the Secret Classic. She also placed 10th all-around at the Visa Championships, improving her ranking from the previous year by nearly 10 spots! However, the year did not pass without it's share of trials and tribulations. Coming off the 2011 competition season, Polina noticed a lot of pain in her right heel but didn't want to rest it--in fear that she would miss the necessary preparation for the upcoming season. "Right before 2012 Secret Classics, I decided to go to the doctor to see what was going on," Polina explained. "I found out that I had shattered the back of my heel near the Achilles and cracked the bottom of my heel. They asked me if I still wanted to compete. I had gotten so far, I didn't want to quit, so I pushed through the pain."

The following year proved to be an even stronger year for Polina. At the Secret Classic she placed 3rd on her best event--the uneven bars and 8th all-around. She replicated those results a few weeks later at the 2013 P&G Championships and found herself among the top 8 girls--securing a spot on the junior national team. One of Polina's biggest goals in gymnastics was to make the national team and when she looks back on it now, it has provided her with some of her fondest memories in the sport. One memory that stands out the most was from a national team camp in November of 2013, when she attempted to verify a yurchenko double after always being advised to only show a yurchenko full each camp. "I really wanted to prove that I could do more. When it was my turn to verify, I showed my yurchenko double and landed a little short," Polina recalls. "I did two more after that and over rotated both of them! After practice, we all lined up and Martha began to talk about vault verification. In the middle of her speech, she looked at me and announced to the whole group that I had shown a really good double full. I was extremely proud of myself when Martha told the whole gym that I didn't give up and kept pushing through!"

Martha praises Polina on her 3rd place finish in the all around at camp

2014 was a tough year for Polina as she had to sit out of the entire competitive season to rest two compression fractures in her back. However, one of the highlights of that time was getting to watch and enjoy her younger sister, Alyona on the elite stage. "I could not be more proud of how far she has come. She was very, very wild when she was younger, but as the years went by, she has become more focused," Polina told us. "She would watch me train and tell me she wanted to be like me and then she would go and train harder than before. I believe she has the ability to go very far in her elite career."

The injury also gave Polina plenty of time to explore her collegiate options. In 2015, she announced her verbal commitment to the University of Michigan, a decision that was actually influenced by Alyona, who announced her commitment a few months later. "She actually wanted to go to the University of Michigan before I decided where I wanted to go," Polina explained.

 At Michigan, Polina and Alyona will get the opportunity to compete side by side for the first time in their career. "I will be finishing up my last year while she will be starting her first. By that time, I will know the campus, the best stores, and restaurants, and competing with her will be the ultimate prize for me. We have wanted to compete with each other since she started elite, so it will definitely be a unique experience for both of us!" she mused.

Alyona and Polina 

Polina returned for what would be her final elite season in 2015. At the Secret Classic and P&G Championships she only competed on bars, but an injury forced her to withdrawal from the second day of P&G's. After dealing with nagging injuries throughout the course of her career, Polina decided to take some time off to recover her body from all the years of intense training.

For the past two years, Polina's shoulder had constantly been dislocating, making it hard for her to train at a high level and ultimately sidelining her from competition for a full year. On May 6, 2016, Polina had surgery to repair a torn labrum. Although her elite career was now over, Polina knew her college career was just getting started.

It was time to turn the page and focus on setting new goals as a member of the Michigan Wolverines Gymnastics team. Polina is still on the road to recovery, but hopes to compete this season. "The surgeon said it would be a four to six month recovery, she told us. "I recently started physical therapy and I hope to be back on the shorter end of the estimated time." Polina will be working hard to contribute to the team on as many events as she can this season. "Competing all-around would be a privilege," she said. "I believe that I can get back my bars and beam. I had also been working a new vault before my surgery, which will help me a lot. My flexibility is still very good, so I can do more leaps and turns on floor. I am motivated to get back into the gym!"

Polina is staying positive post surgery!

One of the biggest motivations for Polina to stay positive through all the tough times was her commitment to Michigan. "I believe that everything happens for a reason. A lot has happened but because of it, I have become a more motivated person," she explains. "I am here at the University of Michigan and I have set my mind to look at all the good things this school has to offer me and my future." Polina is going into business, which is one of many reasons why she chose the University of Michigan. "Bev, Scott, and Dave have supported me through everything I have been through. I feel like the University of Michigan community is a safe, protective, and caring one. The ultimate goal for everyone here is to succeed and everyone works together for that to happen." she added.

With the support of her parents, sisters, and now her new family at the University of Michigan, Polina knows the sky is the limit. She attributes much of where she is today to her parents for guiding her throughout her career. "I have spent my entire life training under my parents. They have inspired me, motivated me, and molded me into the person I am today," she said. "They were able to help me reach my potential because they knew what work was needed to help me reach my goals."

A family effort it was indeed, and now the oldest Shchennikova child is off to start a new chapter in her gymnastics career at the University of Michigan!

Polina with her parents/coaches Katia and Alex and her younger sister Aloyna (junior elite) and Kristina (Level 8)

2016 Olympic Trials | Rewind: Where were they 4 years ago?

With the Olympics a little under a month away, the field of contenders vying for a spot on the Olympic Team has been narrowed down to fourteen. It's interesting to look at the athletes who are in contention and see how far they've come in the last 4 years. A lot can change in that amount of time...and this time 4 years ago everything was different. Below is the roster for the 2016 Olympic Trials and a look back on where these athletes were in 2012!

Simone Biles (Bannon's/WCC)

Four years ago, Simone Biles was still human, yet she was on the way to becoming something great and gym fans around the world could just sense it. In only her second year of elite competition, Simone competed her amanar vault for the first time at the Secret Classic, scoring a huge 16.050 after nailing the landing. (The first of many times she would go on to do that!) She won the competition and went on to place third all-around at the Visa Championships--becoming a member of the junior national team. Biles became the 2012 Junior National Champion on vault while also placing sixth on bars, beam, and floor. The following year Biles would turn senior and start her path down becoming the most dominate gymnast the world has ever seen! 

Christina Desiderio (Parkettes)

In 2012, Desiderio began her first season as a level 10. She wasn't a standout competitor, but she showed a lot of potential and promise right from the beginning. She placed 2nd all-around at the State Championships in addition to winning three individual titles. At Regionals she finished 6th all-around and won first on vault and beam. She qualified to JO Nationals and placed 54th in the Junior A division and fifth on beam. The following year Christina started the season as a level 10 and then began her journey down the elite path in the summer. 

Gabby Douglas (Chows/Buckeye)

4 years ago, Gabby Douglas was having the best year of her life. It all started at the American Cup where she wasn't technically a competitor, but she competed as an exhibitionist and unofficially won the competition over Jordyn Wieber and Aly Raisman.  As a member of the Pacific Rim team, she helped Team USA win the gold medal as well as taking home an individual gold on bars. A few months later she placed 2nd all-around at the Visa Championships and 1st on bars.  As the top bar worker currently in the United States, she was nicknamed the "Flying Squirrel" by National Team Coordinator, Martha Karolyi because of her sky high releases. At the 2012 Olympic Trials, Gabby edged out Jordyn Wieber for first place, securing the only guaranteed spot on the Olympic team. At the Olympic Games, Gabby won two golds, one with the team and of course the individual all-all-around. The rest, as they say, is history! 

Brenna Dowell (GAGE)

4 years ago, Brenna found herself embarking down the same path she is today; not quite in the hunt to vie for a spot on that Olympic Team, but looking very good for potentially securing an alternate position. As a first year senior, Brenna started her 2012 season in Jesolo where she finished 7th all-around, second on bars, and eighth on vault. On the floor she debuted her signature skill--front handspring piked double front (which would go on to become the Dowell in the code of points a few years later.) At the Visa Championships she finished 9th all-around and was invited to the Olympic Trials. At Trials she finished 9th all-around once again and although she was not named to the Olympic team, she was selected to compete at the Mexican Open later in the year. This was Brenna's time to shine, winning the all-around title as well as vault, bars, and floor! This was the first individual title (and only to date) that Brenna has won in her elite career. 

Rachel Gowey (Chows)

2012 was Rachel's first and only year as a level 10 and it was a very dominate year for her. Rachel won the all-around and all the event titles at nearly every invitational she competed in. Towards the end of her season she once again swept the all-around and every event title at the State Championships. A few weeks later at Regionals she won beam, floor, and the all-around title. Rachel concluded her season at the JO National Championships, finish second all-around and first on beam. After such a strong season as a level 10, it was no surprise that Rachel moved into the senior elite ranks the following year. 

Laurie Hernandez (MG Elite)

Laurie's spunky routines and upbeat personality easily caught everyone's attention during her first year of elite in 2012. Back then, Laurie wasn't the most polished or consistent competitor, but she quickly became a fan favorite amongst the gymternet. After finishing 11th all-around at the Secret Classic (with a fall), Laurie qualified to her first Championships where she finished 21st all-around. For Laurie Hernandez, this was only the beginning. Ironically, Laurie celebrated her 12th birthday at those Championships which was the exact same arena that she stole the show in just a few weeks ago at her first senior Championships.

Amelia Hundley (CGA)

Amelia Hundley was another fan favorite picked by the gymternet early on in her career. 2012 marked her 3rd year at the elite level and was perhaps one of her most successful elite seasons. Hundley's season began at the Pacific Rim where she was one of three juniors selected for the team. She contributed to the team gold as well as bringing home a silver on vault and floor. Next she competed in Jesolo where she placed 1st with the team and 3rd on vault. At the Secret Classic she got 2nd on beam and 3rd on vault, bars, and in the all-around. Amelia's season concluded at the Visa Championships where she got 3rd on bars, 4th on beam, 5th on vault, and 6th all-around. As a junior, Hundley was always known for her powerful gymnastics and great presentation on floor. 

Madison Kocian (WOGA)

2012 was a very quiet year for Kocian and at the time, many people were questioning her future as an elite gymnast. After sitting out for most of the 2011 season, Madison only competed at one meet in 2012, the WOGA Classic, winning a silver medal in the all-around and placing first on bars. Madison sat out the rest of the season due to a minor injury but was back with full force in 2013. 

Ashton Locklear (Everest)

In her 3rd year as a level 10, Ashton competed in several small level 10 competitions while working towards qualifying elite. In 2012, Ashton still competed on all four events, winning the all-around and floor title at her gyms annual meet--the Everest Classic, and also finishing 2nd all-around at the Atlantic Crown Invitational. At the level 10 session of the WOGA Classic she placed 5th all-around and first on bars and floor. She also attempted to qualify elite at this competition but was unsuccessful. Ashton concluded her 2012 season with a first place finish at Regionals on her key event--the uneven bars. 

Maggie Nichols (TCT)

After playing around with both elite and level 10 from 2009-2011, Maggie shifted her complete and total focus to just elite in 2012. At the American Classic she placed 2nd on beam and 3rd on vault and in the all-around. Her performance was good enough to qualify her straight to the Visa Championships! Like many gymnasts do, she used the Secret Classic as a warmup to prepare for her first Visa Championships, Her best finish came on vault where she finished 7th.  At the Visa Championships Maggie had a solid performance placing 11th all-around, 10th on vault, 14th on bars, 10th on beam and 11th on floor. This set Maggie up for greater things to come within the next few years. 

Aly Raisman (Brestyans) 

From a first time Olympian to a veteran on the World stage, two things have always remained the same for Aly Raisman--she's dependable and a leader. 4 years ago, Aly had perhaps the best year in her gymnastics career. Finishing 2nd all-around at the American Cup and 2nd once again a few weeks later at the Jesolo Trophy. She kicked off her summer by winning the all-around title at the Secret Classic and finishing third all-around at the Visa Championships a few weeks later. Aly also became the national champion on her two best events, beam and floor. At the Olympic Trials she repeated that performance, finishing 3rd all-around and winning beam and floor once again. As a member of the Olympic Team, Raisman became the most decorated US female gymnast of the games, winning two golds (team and floor) and a bronze on beam. 

Emily Schild (Everest) 

In her first year as a level 10, Emily had a very consistent year, finishing 8th all-around, 3rd on vault, and 2nd on floor at the State Championships. At Regionals she finished 8th all-around and 3rd on beam. A few weeks later at JO Nationals, she placed 9th on vault and in the all-around. Emily attempted to qualify elite at the WOGA Classic but fell short by several points. However she did place 2nd on vault with a clean yurchenko full! 

Mykayla Skinner (Dessert Lights)

4 years ago, Mykayla Skinner was still wowing the crowd with her difficult skills, however she lacked the consistency and experience to really be in the conversation for London. In her first year as a senior, Mykayla was a member of the gold medal winning team in Jesolo and also finished 10th all-around, 5th on vault, and 4th on floor. At the Visa Championships she placed 15th all-around and 3rd on vault. Ultimately, Mykayla did not qualify to Olympic Trials but came back in 2013 with more difficulty and motivation! 

Ragan Smith (Northwind/Texas Dreams)

In 2012, Ragan began her first and only season as a level 10, however she also competed in several elite qualifiers, eventually qualifying herself as a pre-elite. At the State Championships she placed 4th all-around, 4th on vault, 3rd on bars, 9th on beam, and 5th on floor. She became the Regional Champion on floor as well as placing 4th on vault, 3rd on beam, and 6th all-around. At the JO National Championships, Ragan didn't have her best performance, only cracking into the top 20 on one event which was floor where she was 17th. However, she finished the season on a strong note, finishing 2nd all-around and 1st on floor at the US Challenge. The perfect way to kick off her elite career that would begin in 2013.

Catching up with Ariana Agrapides

Although her elite career was short, Ariana Agrapides was instantly one of the fan favorites. During her elite career she trained at MG elite with Maggie Haney and alongside Laurie Hernandez and Jazmyn Foberg. At twelve years of age she competed elite for the first time in 2013, winning the all-around and bar title at the American Classic as well as finishing second on vault, beam, and floor. At the P&G Championships she won the vault title with two near perfectly executed yurchenko doubles. After coming off a minor injury in 2014 and not being able to train or compete full difficulty, she didn't have the strongest competition season--withdrawing from Classics and finishing 32nd in the all-around at Championships. In 2015, Ari decided to step down from elite and shift her focus to new goals--competing for her high school team and getting a college scholarship. We had a quick chat with Ariana to see what she up to today!

How did you get started in gymnastics? 
When I was little I did mommy and me classes. As I got older, I was put onto a team at a gym by my house. Some of the earliest memories I have in gymnastics are with my coach Bruce, he was the person who took me to Maggie [Haney] and I've very grateful to have had them both as coaches.

What has been the highlight of your career so far? 
Being the Junior National Champion on vault was definitely the proudest moment in my career so far. Another highlight was hitting bars both days of my second P&G Championships.

Do you still keep in touch with your former teammates Jazzy and Laurie? 
I still keep in touch with Jazzy and Laurie although I'm closer with Jazzy because I live closer to her, so I see her more often.

You competed in high school gymnastics this year, what was that experience like? 
It was a fun experience to compete with a lot of girls I use to do level 10 with. I do have to downgrade my routines for high school, but I wanted to do it so I could take part in a high school sport and just have fun!

What are your future plans in gymnastics? Do you see yourself possibly coming back to elite?
I do level 10 at Premier Gymnastics [in addition to competing in high school] and I'm interested in doing college gymnastics. It was a very hard decision to retire from elite, but I will not be returning.

I know you've had some injuries in your career, how do you stay motivated through those times? 
I've recently dealt with a foot injury but I'm back in the gym now. I try to stay motivated by going to the gym as much as I can and thinking about the positives.

Do you plan on watching the Olympics this summer? 
I do! I'm most excited to hopefully see Laurie and Jazzy competing this summer! (Note: this interview was done before Jazzy withdrew.)