Eight gymnasts and their coaches traveled to Germany and France from May 4-17 to compete in two international competitions. The U.S. won both team titles and Bridget Sloan won both all-around titles.
The U.S. team included: Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind./Sharp’s Gymnastics, Bridgette Caquatto, Naperville, Ill./Naperville Gymnastics Club; Mackenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill./Naperville Gymnastics Club; Olivia Courtney, Orlando, Fla./Orlando Metro; Kytra Hunter, Frederick, Md./Hill’s Gymnastics; Mattie Larson, Los Angeles/All Olympic Gymnastics; Corrie Lothrop, Danvers, Mass./Hill’s Gymnastics; and Sabrina Vega, Carmel, N.Y./Dynamic Gymnastics.
In addition to Martha Karolyi, the U.S. women’s national team coordinator, the U.S. coaches for the friendly exchanges were Artur Akopyan of Los Angeles/All-Olympian Gymnastics Center; Christy Barineau of Orlando (Fla.) Metro; Kelli Hill of Gaithersburg, Md./Hill’s Gymnastics; Marvin Sharp of Indianapolis/Sharp’s Gymnastics; and Jiani Wu of Naperville (Ill.) Gymnastics Club.
We talked to the gymnasts about their trip and we’ll share the questions and answers with each of them as their responses are received.
How was your trip to Germany and France ?
The trip was really good, long, but good.
What was the highlight of the trip for you?
The highlight was winning team titles back to back, hitting four for four at both meets and visiting the Eiffel Tower.
What was your best event and why?
My best even was vault in Germany and bars in France.
How did it feel to win both team titles while representing the USA ?
It’s an honor to represent the USA. It always feels great to win team titles, and winning back to back was even better.
I heard you got to visit the Eiffel Tower , what was that like?
The Eiffel Tower was amazing!
Did you get to do anything other than gymnastics while in Germany or France ? Tell us about your experiences?
We did go to a coal mine in Germany, the Rouen Cathedral – a really huge old church in France and some shopping.
What was the food and hotel like?
The food was really good and the hotel was nice.
Who did you room with?
Mattie Larson, she and I got along great.
You were gone about 2.5 weeks – how did you handle school work?
Some homework I finished before leaving, I took a lot with me, but the rest I’ve been doing my best to get completed. My teachers are great and it’s a good thing since I’m just back for the last nine days of school – six days of classes, three days of finals.
What was the first thing you did when you returned home?
First thing I did once the plane landed in Texas was turn my phone on! 🙂 First thing once I got home was picked up my dog, Lilly, she was sooo happy to see me.
What is your next competition?
Visa Championships
What is your goal in gymnastics?
Stay healthy and make the 2009 World Team.
How was your trip to Germany and France?
It was a blast! I enjoyed seeing two different countries because I’ve never been out of the U.S. before.
What was the highlight of the trip for you?
I loved both competitions the most. All the girls were cheering for each other and really supportive.
What was your best event and why?
Floor was my best event because it was the most consistent, and it was my favorite event to compete.
How did it feel to win both team titles while representing the USA?
It felt amazing at the end of both competitions to represent the U.S. and win both meets, too.
What did you learn on this trip that will help you in the future?
This trip was a great experience because I learned how you have to get used to different equipment, time changes and food.
I heard you got to visit the Eiffel Tower, what was that like?
It was awesome to look up and see it towering over us. Also, when standing on the floor floor you could look out and see the city for miles.
Did you get to do anything other than gymnastics while in Germany or France? Tell us about your experiences?
In France, the morning of podium training we went to a huge cathedral. The church had detailed statues carved into it and the inside ceilings were beautiful!
What was the food and hotel like?
Their food wasn’t too different from ours. In Germany they had a lot of meats at each meals and in France there were lots of pasta.
Who did you room with?
Mackenzie Caquatto
You were gone about 2.5 weeks – how did you handle school work?
My teachers were pretty good at giving me homework while I was gone. Right now I go in early every morning to meet with my teachers.
What was the first thing you did when you returned home?
Hugged my parents and ate some American food.
What is your next competition?
U. S. Classic in Des Moines, Iowa
What is your goal in gymnastics?
To compete at the 2010 World Championships.
How was your trip to Germany and France?
It was a lot of fun and a great experience. I’ve never traveled out of the country before so I was really excited. The competitions were very enjoyable and I learned a lot while I was there.
What was the highlight of the trip for you?
I really enjoyed competing for the USA, especially in France when we were competing on our last event, floor – the whole team was cheering and supporting each other – that was really fun. I also enjoyed the Eiffel Tower.
What was your best event and why?
My best events were vault and bars. I was really consistent on both events the whole trip.
How did it feel to win both team titles while representing the USA?
It was an awesome feeling of accomplishment after all the hard work we put in. Everyone worked really hard. Representing the U.S.A. was incredible. I am so honored.
What did you learn on this trip that will help you in the future?
I learned how to deal with lots of pressure, which will help me at big competitions. I also learned how to push through workouts even when I’m having a really tough day.
What was your visit to the Eiffel Tower like?
It was great. I never thought I would ever get to go there. While we were in it I just kept saying, “I can’t believe I’m actually here!” We took a ton of pictures.
Did you get to do anything other than gymnastics while in Germany or France? Tell us about your experiences?
I got to know the girls really well, which was great. We also went to a coal mine on our day off in Germany, which was interesting. We also went shopping in Germany.
What was the food and hotel like?
All the hotels were really nice. We ate a lot of pasta, chicken, salad and fruit while we were there. It was all very good.
Who did you room with?
My sister, Bridgey. It was nice having my sister on the trip.
You were gone about 2.5 weeks – how did you handle school work?
I got school work for the week we were at camp at the ranch. After that I emailed my teachers for the rest of the trip and I did what I could.
What was the first thing you did when you returned home?
I walked up to my room to lie down on my bed. I was so surprised when I opened the door because my Mom redecorated my entire room while I was gone! It was also Mother’s Day so we had a family dinner. I went to bed really early after that.
What is your next competition?
U. S. Classic in Des Moines, Iowa
What is your goal in gymnastics?
To make the 2009-2010 USA National Team and to compete at the 2009 World Championships.
How was your trip to Germany and France?
It was really fun! Having the opportunity of being in two different countries and living in their cultures was such a great experience.
What was the highlight of the trip for you?
I would have to say eating at the Eiffel Tower and when the balloons dropped on us at the end of the Germany competition.
What was your best event and why?
In Germany my best event was beam because I felt like I did a solid performance. In France I think my best event was vault. My scored improved from the Germany competition.
How did it feel to win both team titles while representing the USA?
It felt really great! I think our team represented USA respectfully and hopefully made everyone proud.
What did you learn on this trip that will help you in the future?
Being able to adjust in any situation and environment.
I heard you got to visit the Eiffel Tower, what was that like?
It was such a fun experience. I never thought I would be looking down at Paris from the Eiffel Tower.
Did you get to do anything other than gymnastics while in Germany or France? Tell us about your experiences?
Yes, in Germany we had dinner with the whole German team and was able to do a little bit of shopping after our training day. We also visited a coal mine. In France we did a lot of sight seeing and shopping. We also had lunch on the second level of the Eiffel Tower.
What was the food and hotel like?
In both countries the food was delicious. The hotels were very nice and comfortable.
Who did you room with?
Sabrina Vega
You were gone about 2.5 weeks – how did you handle school work?
I talked to my teachers prior to the trip and was able to take some schoolwork with me and made the rest up when I got back home.
What was the first thing you did when you returned home?
Played with my two dogs.
What is your next competition?
Visa Championships
What is your goal in gymnastics?
My goal in gymnastics is to continue to get new skills and use them in competition.
How was your trip to Germany and France ?
It was a BLAST! I’ve never traveled out of the country before so I was really excited.
What was the highlight of the trip for you?
The highlight of the trip was the support and cheering from all the girls, especially in France on our last rotation, Floor.
What was your best event and why?
My best event was Floor in Germany.
How did it feel to win both team titles while representing the USA ?
I felt great winning two team titles. It’s an honor to represent the USA.
What did you learn on this trip that will help you for the future?
On this trip I learned how to adapt to the equipment, time change and the surroundings.
I heard you got to visit the Eiffel Tower, what was that like?
The Eiffel Tower was great! Seeing the city from a higher view was AMAZING!
Did you get to do anything other than gymnastics while in Germany or France? Tell us about your experiences?
In Germany we visited a coal mine. One day after training we had dinner with the German team and did a little shopping.
What was the food and hotel like?
The food was similar to our food. In France we had lots of pasta and Germany we had different kinds of meats.
Who did you room with?
Corrie Lothrop (my teammate)
You were gone about 2.5 weeks – how did you handle school work?
I didn’t get much work ahead of time, but my mom was able to get some school work through e-mail and send it to me. I’m still trying to make- up some work.
What was the first thing you did when you returned home?
The first thing I did when I got home was unpacked my bags and slept.
What is your next competition?
U.S. Classic in Des Moines, Iowa
What is your goal in gymnastics?
My goal is to earn a spot and compete at the 2009 World Championships.
How was your trip to Germany and France?
It was a great experience and a lot of hard work but it turned out to be one of the most fun experiences.
What was the highlight of the trip for you?
It was our last rotation in the competition in France, which was floor. Our team did so well and we were all cheering so loud for each other, it didn’t even feel like a competition any more.
What was your best event and why?
I would say it was bars in France because I didn’t make my routine in Germany so it felt good to show a better routine.
How did it feel to win both team titles while representing the USA?
It’s really hard to describe how it feels. I would say all of your joy, excitement, and pride put together.
What did you learn on this trip that will help you in the future?
I learned that when you are on longer trips it really helps to take it one day at a time or else you will feel slightly overwhelmed.
Did you get to do anything other than gymnastics while in Germany or France? Tell us about your experiences?
We actually got to visit a coal mine in Germany which was an interesting experience. We also got to have a bus tour of Paris and we got to have lunch in the Eiffel Tower!
What was the food and hotel like?
Everywhere we went the food was good and the hotels were slightly small, but always really clean and comfortable.
Who did you room with?
I roomed with Bridget Sloan and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!
You were gone about 2.5 weeks – how did you handle school work?
I tried to do some school work while I was gone, but I still got pretty far behind. I’m still in the catching up stage.
What was the first thing you did when you returned home?
I put my bags down on the floor and hugged my parents for a long time. Then I gave my mom her mother’s day present.
What is your next competition?
I’m pretty sure that my next competition is Visa Championships in Dallas, Texas.
What is your goal in gymnastics?
My goal is to keep competing for the USA and go to the World Championships and the 2012 Olympics.
How was your trip to Germany and France?
My trip to Germany ad France was awesome! I feel like it was a great experience for everyone.
What was the highlight of the trip for you?
The highlight of the trip was the USA winning both meets and going to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
What was your best event and why?
I think bars was my best event at both meets and floor was my best event in Germany. I felt like I showed what I’ve been working on all week.
How did it feel to win both team titles while representing the USA?
It felt great winning both titles as Team USA because we all have been working so hard and it showed through our performances and team spirit for one another.
What did you learn on this trip that will help you in the future?
This trip taught me to set two alarms (one day my alarm didn’t go off and we were late to breakfast, it was scary!)
I heard you got to visit the Eiffel Tower, what was that like?
The Eiffel Tower was amazing; I loved it! Our lunch was great and the view of the whole city was beautiful from up so high.
Did you get to do anything other than gymnastics while in Germany or France? Tell us about your experiences?
In Germany we went to a Coal Mine. We walked around for a while and took pictures. We also went shopping with some of the German girls and went to a special dinner with them. That was fun! In France we went to the Eiffel Tower, it was great.
What was the food and hotel like?
The food in both places was great. The hotels were good too, especially when we got to the hotels with Internet!
Who did you room with?
I roomed with Kytra Hunter (my teammate).
You were gone about 2.5 weeks – how did you handle school work?
I’m still trying to make up schoolwork right now. I didn’t get much ahead of time, so now I am trying to make it all up.
What was the first thing you did when you returned home?
The first thing I did when I got home was unpack, take a shower, and sleep.
What is your next competition?
My next competition may be in July for U.S. Classic, or definitely August for Visa Championships.
What is your goal in gymnastics?
My goal in gymnastics is to always keep trying, even when it gets tough, and keep having fun.
How was your trip to Germany and France?
The trip to Germany and France was absolutely amazing. I had so much fun and it was such a great experience for me. This was my very first time traveling for this length of time with the team and really getting to know the other girls. Also this was my first time in Europe.
What was the highlight of the trip for you?
The entire trip was a highlight for me. I just enjoyed every minute of it from competing to sightseeing.
What was your best event and why?
Well my best event was beam in Germany. It was my best because I got the highest score out of the whole meet. It was such a great accomplishment having the highest score on beam up against such talented athletes.
How did it feel to win both team titles while representing the USA?
Winning both team titles was so amazing especially because I was one of the gymnasts representing USA. We definitely deserved it because of all the hard work we put in during this trip.
What did you learn on this trip that will help you in the future?
On this trip all of the older girls were very supportive to me during the competition since I was the youngest on the team. If something went wrong they taught me that I always had someone there that was going to help me get through it and encourage me. It really showed me how much of a team we really are.
I heard you got to visit the Eiffel Tower, what was that like?
Going to the Eiffel Tower was so cool. Before that day I had only seen it in photos and textbooks but it is so much prettier in real life. We went up to the second floor and went to some stores there and then we had lunch on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. I wanted to go all the way to the top, but we couldn’t.
Did you get to do anything other than gymnastics while in Germany or France? Tell us about your experiences?
We got to go shopping with the German girls and we also got to visit a German coal mine the day after the competition. It was very interesting the machinery was huge and it was very educational. Also in France we had a whole day of touring Paris. Their architecture was amazing. The churches and buildings were beautiful they looked liked castles. We also went shopping and then visited the Eiffel Tower. We went to some souvenir shops and then had lunch there.
What was the food and hotel like?
I enjoyed the food and the hotels were pretty nice. There were some differences but I adjusted pretty fast.
Who did you room with?
I got to room with Olivia Courtney. She was a lot of fun and supportive.
You were gone about 2.5 weeks – how did you handle school work?
Unfortunately I did not bring any homework with me on the trip so I am a little behind.
What was the first thing you did when you returned home?
Well I got home pretty late so the next day I just hung out with my dad, mom and brother. Then in the afternoon I went and visited my gym to say hello to all my teammates. The next day I was back in the gym training.
What is your next competition?
The next competition I am going to is the U.S. Classic in Iowa, then I’m going to Visa Championships in Dallas. Other than that I will be training and going to training camps.
What is your goal in gymnastics?
My goal in gymnastics is to make it to the 2012 Olympics but I first want to gain a lot of experience by competing and representing the USA Team, which is an honor for me.