By Emily Chan
Sophomore Mio Tran is a 13-year gymnast who, at the age of 16, has represented Region One at Westerns National Championships in Iowa and is nothing short of a well-decorated athlete.
From the age of three, she has been dedicated to training at New Hope Gymnastics in order to fulfill her goals of competing with a Division 1 college. Tran competes from December to early June, using the months in between to gain more tricks and level up.
“I’m trying to go to level ten this season and that’ll be fun because [you’re] at the highest level [which] will be fun to try and [I’ll be able to] compete with my friend [for] her last year since she’s a senior,” Tran said.
Her constant aim for improvement explains her rigorous training schedule. Tran trains for four hours after school nearly everyday, for a total of 24 hours a week. Sometimes, she stays even later in order to finish her conditioning routine.
“It’s a list that we have to finish [that’s a combination of] arms, legs, abs and endurance,” Tran said.
Although the intensity of her training has allowed her to reach the elite level of gymnastics she competes in today, her journey is not one devoid of injury and challenges. Tran has endured six fractures and various back problems. Additionally, balancing school and her practices is no easy feat.
“There’s some days I feel like I want to quit because it’s hard to manage everything,” Tran said. “There’s school, then gymnastics and then personal struggles. It’s [just difficult] mentally.”
However, Tran believes the strain gymnastics puts on her mind and body is worth it in the end because she truly loves the sport.
“It’s just something I enjoy doing, you know? I look forward to it, it’s all I think about during school.” Tran said.
Tran’s favorite events, though vastly different, are the vault and bars. While many would be scared at the mere prospect of jumping off a vault or hanging on a bar, fear isn’t really a factor for Tran.
“[I don’t really get scared because] I’ve been doing it, like, all my life, but I still get nervous sometimes,” Tran said. “You kind of just have to remember to breathe.”
The phrase “just believe in yourself” is a classic for a reason. Tran’s trust in her own capabilities is what makes her the astounding gymnast she is. She urges others to adopt this healthy sense of self-belief, even in the face of fear.
“I tell my friends like, turn your brain off. If you’re thinking too hard, you’re going to freak yourself out. [Instead,] just trust in your technique,” Tran said.
