In our latest Hootworthy interview, we caught up with Luke, a 10th grader at GCA, who’s making waves in the gymnastics world. Luke is not just any gymnast; he competes in Trampoline, Double-Mini, and Tumbling at the Junior Elite level. With only three other athletes in the U.S. achieving this level across all three events, Luke’s accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. You can check out Luke’s bio here.
One of Luke’s standout achievements is being crowned the 2023 Tumbling National Champion at the USA Gymnastics Championships. He also earned a spot on the 2024 U.S. Junior National Tumbling Team, and he’s currently ranked 4th in the world in Tumbling for his age group—an impressive feat he secured at the World Age Group Championships in Birmingham, UK. Despite his rigorous training schedule, which includes three-hour daily practices and intense speed programs, Luke manages to balance his academics thanks to the flexibility GCA offers. He often squeezes in schoolwork during lunch breaks and appreciates how understanding his teachers are about his schedule.
Luke’s journey into gymnastics began when his mom signed him up for a parkour class to help him manage his OCD. A gym coach spotted his potential, and the rest is history. Even with a few stumbles—like the time he fractured his ankle at the gym—Luke has remained committed to mastering gymnastics. Making the national team was his most memorable moment, but he admits to often tripping right after nailing a solid routine.
Looking ahead, Luke has his sights set on competing in the Olympics for Trampoline and the World Games for Tumbling. He advises aspiring gymnasts to expect to fall a lot, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Learn from the falls, get back up, and keep going. With his achievements and the support from GCA, Luke’s story is a testament to what commitment and tenacity can achieve. Stay Hootworthy, Luke!
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