So much is going on in the world of gymnastics lately, especially for Kyla Ross, a 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist and GK Competitive Catalog Model. Kyla Ross recently claimed the title in the All-Around and second place in the balance beam in July's 2013 Secret U.S. Classic, in Chicago, IL. We were thrilled to have the chance to talk with her about her recent gymnastics success and see how she is feeling about her future. Enjoy our question and answer session with Kyla who represents Gym Max out of Aliso Viejo, CA and learn about her secrets to success before she competes at Championships.
1. What have you done to prepare for Championships and how do you feel you are ready? I have continued to work on consistency and some upgrades while also increasing my stamina. I feel the extra weeks since Classics have been really helpful!
2. Are you on any special diet in preparation for Championships? Are there any recommended foods to maintain your stamina? I have always incorporated a lot of fruits and vegetables in my diet along with healthy protein. The one thing I must say is that I never skip meals and I always have a light snack handy so that I never get hungry. I always try to stay very hydrated with water rather than flavored drinks. When competitions are approaching I do like to be more disciplined and make a conscious effort to eat clean and limit treats!
3. How many hours a day do you spend training? I normally train about 4-5 hours per day, 6 days a week
4. What is the best advice you can give someone to remain confident about their performance at Championships? To relax and rely on all the hours of hard training and preparation in the gym. The last few days before the meet its all about fine-tuning, as well as mentally staying focused.
5. What do you love about your gymnastics apparel designs you will wear from GK for the competition? I am excited to wear the two GK leotards that I chose for Championships. They are both so different and not my typical selection. My day-one leo design is a Black and Berry Mystique leotard with a key hole back and higher neckline which I thought gives it a fun retro look. My day-two leotard is Nude Mesh and Red Mystique which has a very elegant look.
6. Have you tried our Under Armour® styles yet? If so, what do you think? Yes, I have tried several of the Under Armour leotards and love them. Because I have a long torso I rely on a nice snug fit so several of the new leotards are very comfortable for me! I particularly like the one called "Perseverance", it's nylon and mystique which is a great combination for practice wear for me! I really like the color combination too, silver and turquoise. Comfort and fit is very important to me, so these leotards work really well! I also really liked the new Under Armour apparel used for our recent international assignments this spring, as well as our competition leotards.
7. What are your goals for this year? My goals for this year are to continue working hard and upgrading my gymnastics skills. I would very much like to represent USA at World Championships in Belgium in October.
8. What do you like to do to wind down and relax after training? To wind down and relax after training I like to read, watch TV, shop, go to the beach and hang out with my friends. I also enjoy spending time with my family.
Above, Kyla is wearing our Freedom SWAROVSKI Leotard 1002 from our Ultimate Brilliance Collection. This beautiful classic leo features 1,653 Clear, Brilliance, and Silver Metallic, and classic round SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. Shop our entire Ultimate Brilliance Collection to see even more sparkling designs! We send Kyla well wishes as she prepares for her competition at this year's P&G National Championships! The competition officially begins with the Women's Preliminaries at 1:00pm on Thursday, August 15th at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. Read more about Kyla's title at this years Secret U.S. Classics here.
GK. Choice of Champions.