Interview with Francis: Level 10 gymnast Age 12

Me: What's your favorite event and why?
Francis: My favorite event is vault and I like it because it's the one event that I get to use my speed.

Me: What's your strongest event?
Francis: My strongest event is also vault because people say I'm fast so it's easier to get really high off the table.

Me: What's your weakest event?
Francis: My weakest event is probably bars.

Me: How did you get involved with gymnastics?
Francis: I got involved in gymnastics because I would always climb on things.

Me: At what age did you start gymnastics?
Francis: I started gymnastics when I was two years old.

Me: What's it like being the youngest on the team? Is it difficult sometimes?
Francis: Yes, it's difficult sometimes, but they are so nice and supportive teammates and it makes me feel really comfortable around them.

Me: What goes through your mind before a competition?
Francis: I always think to stay positive and just do the routines normally how I practive everyday. Because all I'm doing is the same routines I do everyday so there's no need to worry.

Me: What's your main goal for the 2013 season?
Francis: My main goal is to make it to the JO National Championships.

Me: What gymnast do you look up to and why?
Francis: I look up to Shawn Johnson because she is really strong and powerful and she reminds me that if I train really hard I can be like her.

Me: What's your favorite skill?
Francis: My favorite skill is probably my 1 1/2 yurchenko on vault.
 
Me: Is there anything you would change about your coaches? If so, what? 
Francis: I would like it if my coaches can understand more if something's hurt and I need to stop.

Me: How many hours a week do you train?
Francis: I train about 38 hours a week.

Me: When you fall at a competition, what's the first thing you think?
Francis: I think to breathe, and just to get back up and finish strong and to just forget about it and move on.

Me: Do people ever get jealous of you because you are very good for your age and you win a lot?
Francis: Yes, a lot of people do, but I have learned that I just have to be kind to the people who are jealous of me and soon that person wouldn't have a problem with me.

Me: What's your favorite memory of gymnastics?
Francis: My favorite memory is when I got my first back handspring on the beam by myself. I was really excited!