Inside Gymnastics Traditional Highlight: Kayla Smith
The inaugural Inside Gymnastics Traditional kicked off in Richmond, Virginia January 26-28, 2024 with the aim of celebrating the game and the entire gifted athletes from all ages and ranges, in addition to inspiring the present and future generations of gymnasts.
Inside Gymnastics is proud to acknowledge Kayla Smith, a Degree 10 from Virginia Worldwide Gymnastics Faculty (VIGS), for her unbelievable efficiency in Richmond, which earned her a $1,000 scholarship as the highest Degree 10 All-Round finisher.
Kayla wowed us together with her highly effective tumbling (take a look at her big double format) and is for certain to be a star when she heads off to West Virginia in 2026.
Right here’s what Kayla needed to say about her efficiency on the Inside Gymnastics Traditional and her future targets within the sport!
Congratulations in your unbelievable efficiency on the Inside Gymnastics Traditional in addition to receiving the scholarship at our inaugural occasion! How did it really feel to obtain that award?
Although it wasn’t my finest meet, I used to be so thrilled to have had the highest All-Round rating and to have received the scholarship cash. I used to be so grateful, particularly as a result of it was Inside Gymnastics first annual competitors. That was actually cool!
Along with successful the All-Round, you received the vault, beam and ground titles as effectively! Did you do something enjoyable to have fun your profitable weekend?
Nicely, as all the time, I had to purchase an Inside Gymnastics sweatshirt! That’s how I normally have fun a win! And since I had one other meet to concentrate on for the next weekend, I stored my thoughts on what I wanted to work on within the fitness center.
Your 2024 season is simply getting began, what are your targets for the rest of the season?
So, I had a meet the week after the Inside Gymnastics competitors and obtained my second 38.0 All-Round rating as a degree 10. So, my primary aim is to maintain that rhythm going and proceed to construct on that rating. Particular targets I’ve for myself are to qualify and place at USAG DP Nationals.
We have been so impressed by your double format on ground — do you’ve another large abilities or upgrades you’re hoping to compete this season?
Thanks! I’m tremendous pleased with my double format! It was a dream talent of mine to compete. I’m actually pleased with my problem this 12 months, as I’ve a ten.1 begin worth on beam and ground. I do hope to compete my Yurchenko 1 1/2 by subsequent season! I’m additionally engaged on connecting my entrance aerial to my handspring format in competitors to get a triple sequence on beam.
You dedicated to West Virginia on a full athletic scholarship in November 2023 — what made WVU the perfect match for you?
The place do I begin!? My official go to offered me! The campus was superior and I liked the women on the crew! I actually appreciated the fitness center and the facilities which can be supplied to the athletes, together with educational assist! And naturally, the teaching workers is AMAZING! I actually felt prefer it was going to be my dwelling away from dwelling. I can’t wait to be a Mountaineer!
We’re so excited to proceed following you all through your profession — what are among the targets you’ve for your self past 2024?
Subsequent 12 months, I might like to qualify for the Nastia Cup! If it doesn’t occur this 12 months, I might additionally like to win an occasion at Nationals. Truthfully, my total aim past 2024, is to only keep wholesome and pleased with my journey in gymnastics. My collegiate targets are to compete All-Round and to – in fact – get a ten.0! And sooner or later I might like to be a school gymnastics coach!
Quick Info with Kayla!
- Gymnast you look as much as: Haleigh Bryant!
- Favourite exercise outdoors of gymnastics: Hanging with buddies
- Pre-meet hype track: “So Bold” by Jay Z
- Favourite film or e book: Imply Ladies (the unique) and e book: “Love and Different Phrases”
- Dream trip spot: Turks and Caicos
Search for a function on Kayla, in addition to highlights from the Inside Gymnastics Traditional within the March/April 2024 difficulty of Inside Gymnastics journal.
