“If I wanted to reach my dream, I had to do it.” In April, at a Pre-Olympic tournament in Rio, the 17-year-old’s score qualified her for the 2016 Olympics, making her Peru’s first Olympic gymnast. More impressively, just three years in the U.S helped her meet her goal of making the cut for the Peruvian team. But her goal is to do her best and not fall, which really should be all of our goals everyday. She knows she’s an underdog at the Olympics. “For South America, I was at a good level, but I knew if I wanted to get to Rio, my training in Peru wouldn’t be enough.” Although leaving her family behind wasn’t easy, it wasn’t “that hard.” She explained that “if I wanted to reach my dream, I had to do it.” There’s a reason they’re the Olympic champions,” she told El Bocón. “What made me think about coming to the United States was the high level the country has in this sport. This included living with a host family and completing school over the internet for the first time. At 15, she left her friends and family behind to begin a new chapter in her life in Virginia Beach. She still remembers the exact day she arrived in the United States: October 18, 2013. She cycled through a couple of gyms in Peru, only starting to represent her native country in international competitions six years ago. In the end, gymnastics won out, and she’s competed since age 6. #onwednesdayswewearpink #youcantsplitwithusĪ post shared by Isabella Amado on at 4:01pm PDTĪs a child, Ariana’s parents enrolled her in tennis, swimming, and gymnastics. She will make us better right away on every event and contend for a spot in the all-around.?Dia Internacional del Deporte // International Day of Sports. I am inspired to be part of a team that demonstrates such passion and resilience towards their sport."Ĭoach Court says: "Emma is a powerful gymnast and can perform well. Two-time Nebraska state all-around championĮmma says: "When I stepped on the University of Arizona's campus for the first time, I knew this would be my new home that would challenge me academically and athletically.Three-time Nebraska state floor champion.Trained at Premier Gymnastics under coaches Bob Matthews, Stephanie Wacker, and Tom Koll.I also love the gymnastics program and academic opportunities."Ĭoach Court says: "Sophia is a dynamic gymnast on all four events and will contend for an all-around spot as a freshman." Sophia says: "I chose Arizona because I love the supportive coaches and the welcoming atmosphere that made it feel like home. Placed first on bars and the all-around at the 2020 Metroplex Challenge.Trained at WOGA under coaches Sonia Haiou, Yevgeny Marchenko, and Justin Laury.Gunter, Texas | World Olympic Gymnastics Academy She is very coachable, and I expect her to make an immediate impact in our line ups." The team was so welcoming, and I love the atmosphere the coaches created. Arizona feels like home and I can't wait to be a Wildcat!"Ĭoach Court says: "I love her passion for gymnastics and the raw talent she has as an athlete. Jordan says: "I've loved the campus since I visited in seventh grade. Placed first on beam and floor at the 2021 Wisconsin State Championship.Finished first on vault and floor, second on bars, and third in the all-around at the 2021 Regionals.Placed second on floor at Nationals in 2021.Trained at LaFleurs Gymnastics under coaches Tammy Donahue, Helen Mueller, Ryan Newman.She will have great artistry in college and has a team first mentality." I can't imagine myself going anywhere else."Ĭoach Court says: "Gigi will play a role for us on bars, beam, and floor. On top of that, I can't wait to move from Wisconsin to Arizona and experience new things and a big change of scenery. The coaches have been nothing but supportive through these tough couple of years. They are all so supportive and care about you so much as a person and want to push me to be the best gymnast I can be. Gianna says: "I chose Arizona because of the coaches and team atmosphere. Earned first place on beam and in the all-around at the 2020 Excalibur Cup.2020 Level 10 Wisconsin State qualifier.Trained at Salto Gymnastics Center under coaches Vitali Rudnitski, Brittany Solberg, Kristen Kremer, and Julie Holden.This class brings us many routines that are at a high skill level, and we look forward to their arrival on campus!" They all thrive in life and have a love for Arizona, and we are excited to welcome them and their families to the Arizona Wildcats. "They are great people, pursue excellence in their academics, and will continue to make our team competitive in the future. "We are very excited to announce the signing of Gianna, Jordan, Sophia, and Emma," said head coach John Court. The talented class includes Gianna Lenczner, Jordan Schultz, Sophia Stephens, and Emma Strom. – Arizona Gymnastics announced that the team will welcome four new GymCats for the 2023 season.