By Derek Reinglass
Action photo by Diane Bidermann
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For Rebecca Sereda, the apple didn't fall too far from the tree.

Her mother was always involved in rhythmic gymnastics, and Sereda naturally gravitated toward it until she was six and became involved in the sport herself.

In no time her competitiveness was clear and she was determined to improve.

"Ever since I started, I always wanted to be as good as the big girls," said Sereda. "I was always excited to compete. I love the thrill you get when you walk out to compete and everyone is cheering you on. I also love the feeling you get when you do an amazing routine and realize all your hard work paid off."

Sereda's competitiveness and dedication aren't restricted to gymnastics. She works hard in school and has some future plans in place.

"Right now I am a freshman at Tottenville High School," said Sereda. "My favorite subject is math. I hope to pursue sports psychology once I go to college so I can work with athletes who struggle mentally."

Even though she is just a high school freshman, her time is usually occupied with activities.

"When I am not in the gym, I am usually doing schoolwork. In my free time I like to spend time with my friends and go shopping," said Sereda.

Her favorite food is sushi and her favorite movies are "Remember Me," "You Don't Mess with the Zohan," and "The Knowing." Sereda also loved the watching the entire "Twilight" saga.

While she enjoys her downtime, Sereda has fun training and competing in gymnastics. She has learned a lot through her experiences to this point.

"If there is a lesson that gymnastics has taught me, it is definitely to fight to the very end," said Sereda. "So many obstacles will be thrown at you as a gymnast and it is the matter of balancing it all out. Pushing through the hard times and on days when your heart is not in it is what helps you hit those routines at competitions. Also, if one event doesn't work, then you have to fight when you go on for your next routine because you have four events that count in the all-around."

Sereda understands that success depends on more than just physical skill and talent. Progress is needed in many areas to compete at the highest level.

"Being a gymnast has allowed me to grow skill wise and mentally," said Sereda. "The concentration and focus needed to perform your routines to the best of your ability are very important. Rhythmic gymnastics requires a lot of physical work as well as mental. Having a good mind set can help you perform those routines in competition."

Sereda's mental focus and skills were put to the test this year, and each time she has responded well and improved.

"The biggest accomplishment I've had in this sport was very recent," said Sereda. "In the Pesaro Junior Tournament this March I placed second in the ball finals. This was an amazing accomplishment because this was the biggest junior competition of the year. Standing on that podium made it all worth it."