Maddie Betts | Mindset of Taking Risks
What got you involved in the sport, and who were the people who helped you get into the sport?
I was a wild child growing up, and my mom decided to put my gymnastics. Ever since then, I have been doing it.
What has been your biggest achievement to date, and what is your ultimate goal in gymnastics?
My biggest achievement to date would be staying in gymnastics after my accident because it was hard for me to come back from my injuries. My injuries were two broken vertebrae and a few broken ribs. It took me a while to get my strength back in order to go back into gymnastics. I got these injuries by crossing a street and getting hit by a car. My biggest achievement would be sticking with it and not giving up.
Who has been your biggest role model outside the gym, and who is your biggest in?
My biggest role model would be my mom because she has been there the whole time, and never gave up on me. My biggest role model in the gym would be my coaches because they're like my family. They always push me to be successful and to never give up.
Gymnastics is known to only last for so long and most gymnasts retire by their early 20's. What do you plan on doing afterward?
After gymnastics I plan on doing some sort of coaching or teaching that is in the same area as gymnastics.
Gymnastics is known to have long term effects on growth/ your body, what is something you’d tell parents of kids interested in the sport about this?
I would tell them that it takes dedication, and listening to your body is important. You have to be willing to keep going through the hard times.
How has gymnastics changed your life?
It has changed my life because it has helped me relieve stress, it has helped me relieve energy, and it builds my confidence.
What is your favorite cheat meal, and what does your diet consist of?
My favorite cheat meal would be pizza and tacos. My diet consists of just eating fairly healthy, and not going overly heavy on the non-healthy foods.
What do you do to prepare for a competition?
Before a competition I go over my routines in my head by going through the motions. I also go to the meet a little early to get into the mood of the meet. I also watch other gymnasts to get in the competitive spirit.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the sport?
I would tell them to get into the mindset of taking risks and not giving up. Make sure you have fun with the sport, while also being competitive as well. Having a good gym is also important because you have to like the gym in order to be successful.
How has gymnastics helped your self-esteem?
Gymnastics has helped my self-esteem by letting me be more confident in my body, and not being afraid being in front of crowds and showing off skills confidently.
Gymnasts are often viewed as 'scary or manly' because of the intensity of the sport, and how it trains all body parts. How have you coped with this? Do you embrace it or is it an insecurity?
I embrace this. I don't really care if I'm viewed as manly or scary. Its cool being strong and to have people see that I am buff. I'm not afraid to embrace it. Muscles are sexy, that's one thing I think about.
What was an obstacle you faced and how did you overcome it?
The injuries that I received and I overcame it even though I wanted to several times when it got hard. I listened to my coaches and my mom and it paid off.