Junior Shannon Sklow makes a name for herself in competitive gymnastics

Throughout the Azarian Training Center, Shannon Sklow has made a name for herself as a gymnast. Her love for the sport developed 12 years ago.

“When I was 5 years old, my mother came and told me that my gym instructor had moved me from recreational classes to a competitive team,” Sklow said. “This was the signal of my gymnastics career. That was the first step toward a lifetime commitment that will stay with me forever.”

Sklow has picked up multiple wins as a Level 10 gymnast. Sklow was the 2015 Level 9 regional bar champion and Level 9 Western National Qualifier. In 2016 Sklow qualified for nationals as a Level 10 gymnast.

But such success has not come without a price. Sklow faces the realities of training in such a risky sport daily, and is met with inherent dangers every time she steps on an apparatus.

“Gymnastics is an incredibly risky sport to begin with,” Sklow said. “For example, I currently have a five inch crescent shaped, multicolored welt on the back of my thigh from being slightly off center on the balance beam while practicing two consecutive back flips. Instead of looking at the bruise with disgust and fear, I think of it as a badge of courage. This mentality just helps me push through the fear and continue to love the sport.”

According to the United States Gymnastics Association, the average level 10 gymnast only spends 18 hours a week in the gym. However, Sklow works overtime, spending over five hours in the gym, five days a week. Sklow has been practicing the same 45-minute rotations made up of the beam, floor vault and conditioning for over 10 years.

“To be successful with my busy schedule I must stay determined, focused and extremely organized,” said Sklow.

Sklow has trained under many people such as Eduard Azarian, a former gymnastics world champion and Olympic Gold Medalist. Azarian has lead his competitive team toward many wins including three regional championships, two national championships and four state championships.

Sklow’s parents have been very supportive of her dedication to the sport and have been helpful in keeping Sklow grounded.

“My parents have pumped me up, calmed me down, given me reality checks and loved the journey of riding the world with me. Words cannot express how thankful I am towards my parents,” Sklow said.

Sklow will soon be competing in more competitions, including National Trials in January and she looks forward to further perfecting her art.

“The gym is where I learned true determination and focus,” Sklow said. “It taught me what it meant to be an athlete.”