When you think of gymnastics, you may think of Olympians like Simone Biles or Jordan Chiles. It would be no surprise if one day, you heard our very own sophomore’s name at the games: Markell Mattingly.

Mattingly is a level-10 gymnast, and has been doing gymnastics for many years. 

“My parents put me in gymnastics when I was three years old and I have been doing it ever since, so I have been doing it for twelve years now,” stated Mattingly. 

Gymnastics isn’t an easy sport, but Mattingly’s commitment for this sport has taken her a long way.

“To be a high-level gymnast, it takes a lot of dedication and time, as well as consistent training and mental toughness,” Mattingly said. 

While a lot of sophomores are focused on getting jobs and getting their intermediates, Mattingly has to focus primarily on gymnastics all the time

“You have to sacrifice a lot of your social time for this sport,” said Mattingly.  

Not only is it a time consuming sport it also comes with mental and physical challenges, but Mattingly knows how to overcome it every time. 

“When getting through mental blocks, while it is a very challenging thing and it takes some time, I try to tell myself about how many times I have done the skill successfully, and how much progress I have made throughout the years,” Mattingly said. “When learning new skills I have to remind myself to take it slow and that it won’t come immediately and new things take time.” 

A younger Mattingly would’ve never expected her to be where she is now, but she is more than proud of the hard work she has put into it. 

“If I could tell my younger self something I would say don’t be so hard on yourself, every fall is a step closer to success,” said Mattingly. 

Mattingly is a very hard working, talented, and dedicated athlete; one of these days, she knows her hard work will pay off. 

“I’m really hoping to do college gymnastics, it is one of my dreams,” said Mattingly. “I have a few colleges I really like, like Central Michigan, Kentucky, etc. but most importantly I want a team I can help out the most and who is willing to have me.”