Our school is home to a current participant of the Junior Olympics Program. Long intense hours of practice at the Elite Champion Gym and dedication to gymnastics are what have led junior Casey Dreyer to the Junior Olympics Nationals in the past few years.
“I started gymnastics when I was about three years old because I had too much energy for my parents to handle,” Dreyer said. “I loved it so much that I stuck with it for my whole life.”
Being a gymnast can seem glamorous when you see the eccentric leotards and makeup when it is time to perform. Yet many do not consider the behind the scenes work. Every ounce of work that Casey puts in to practice is a clear reflection of her dedication to success. Her practice is definitely more than basic stretches and a couple flips. This is evident in the fact that she placed thirteen in the country at nationals.
“I practice six days a week for four to five hours, and during the season we have competition on the weekends,” Dreyer said. “Gymnastics is a really demanding sport and requires a lot of time and practice.”
The life of a student athlete consists of more than school and sports. When do they have time for friends and family? Dreyer is focused on her academics and gymnastics throughout the year.
“I’m extremely attached to this sport,” Dreyer said. “It is practically my life. It is challenging to keep up with gym and school sometimes, but it is always worth it in the end.”
The Women’s JO program is split into three major segments. The first four levels are used for non-competitive gymnasts. The girls who are beginners are introduced to this group as a recreational program. Levels five and six are for competitors of the group from previous levels to continue building their skills. Levels seven to ten have the most difficult restrictions of all the groups. Dreyer is amongst the country’s elite that participate in the Junior Olympics.
“The Junior Olympics involves gymnasts from level one to level ten,” Dreyer said. “This will be my third year competing as a level ten in the Junior Olympics Program, and I have been qualified for Junior Olympics Nationals twice.”
Dreyer’s expectations for her performance have been set high. She is doing everything in her power to live up to them. Gymnastics is a big part of Casey’s life, and she does not plan to stop anytime soon.
“For this season, my main goal is to qualify for Junior Olympics Nationals again and place in the top ten,” Dreyer said. “As for long term goals, I hope to go to college with good academics and gymnastics. I cannot wait to be part of a college team.”
Gymnastics becomes an even more competitive sport, post high school. Dreyer is a team player and is looking forward to competing at a collegiate level. Her only aspiration is to be a successful college gymnast.
“I would love to continue to do gymnastics after high school,” Dreyer said. “College gymnastics looks like a blast. The atmosphere at college meets is incredible. It is like a giant family cheering each other on.”
