GK was thrilled to be a part of the 2013 World Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. Our retail store was a huge success providing lots of traffic and customer interaction. We love that we could enjoy chatting with the world's most elite gymnasts, and also share the latest styles in gymnastics apparel. We are please to have recently caught up with Kyla Ross after Worlds. Here is what she has to say about her experience in Belgium...
GK - We are so proud of your accomplishments and you must be too! You have recently placed 2nd in the All-Around, Balance Beam, Uneven Bars and 5th in the Floor Exercise at Worlds. How do you feel about your performances?
Overall I was happy with the way that I performed and was able to hit all my routines consistently. I was also really honored to get the Longines Elegance award. That was a pleasant surprise!
GK - Did you debut any new skills you are most proud of this year? If so, do you feel you have mastered these new skills and what are some you are still working on mastering?
I have been training new skills but at Worlds I didn't compete any new upgrades. Now that I have had some down time to work on new tricks, hopefully I will be able to incorporate them in my upcoming competitions. I have been working on a back handspring Arabian on beam.
GK - What type of advice do your coaches provide to you before a major championship such as this?
My coach Jenny knows me very well and is great at getting me mentally prepared to compete and focus on hitting my routines in high pressure situations. She is encouraging and makes sure that I am constantly visualizing my routines prior to getting up on the apparatus. I have been competing with her for many years now and she takes every competition very seriously. She knows how to motivate me to keep fighting till the end of the competition.
GK - What was your favorite part of traveling to Belgium for this year’s World Artistic Championships?
I love Europe. The town of Antwerp was so cute. I loved all the cafes and shops. There were also many beautiful historical building and sculptures that were fun to see.
GK - Which men's event would you enjoy if it was allowed and why?
I love watching men's high bar. The skills that they do look so unreal it's amazing. It would be my coaches dream for me to do some of the men's skills! Everything they do is so difficult but maybe someday I will be able to pull one of their tricks off!
GK - What was your favorite event at Worlds this year and for what reason?
I would probably say beam. I felt very confident and hit my routines on all three days that I had to compete beam. I felt like this was a big accomplishment because your nerves can really get the best of you on beam. I was able to get past that and just enjoy being on the world stage.
GK - Now that World’s is over, what are your plans? Do you plan on relaxing or vacationing at all?
My Aunt has been wanting to take me on a spa retreat weekend for awhile now. I finally just got to go and I had a blast in Vegas. We went to several amazing restaurants, Nobu and Serendipity to name a few. I experienced a spa day and saw the "O" show which was incredible. I also went on a little shopping spree too!
Read more about Kyla Ross and her GK gymnastics leo style from Worlds here. For a fierce competition look of your own, check out our Design Studio where you can design your very own championship look today!
GK. Choice of Champions.