For a relative newcomer to the sport, Amari Jackson’s gymnastics career is going quite well. Jackson, 7, started six months ago and has medaled in several gymnastics and tumbling competitions. Most recently, she placed in the top five in seven events at the GGI Competition in Greensboro, North Carolina (placing fourth overall) and placed in the top ten in two events at the Magical Classic in Orlando on Friday, Feb. 17.
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How long have you been doing gymnastics?
About a year.
What made you start?
Because I think it’s cool.
What’s so cool about it?
That you get to learn how to do flips.
What do you tell yourself to keep from getting nervous at competitions?
“You’ve got this.”
What’s your favorite event to compete in?
Tumbling.
What makes tumbling your favorite?
Because it’s kind of easy. It’s like my easiest event.
What’s your favorite thing to do on the floor?
It’s called “two whips.” It’s a backflip, and you have to keep your legs straight, and you go back.
Your mom said you really got into gymnastics when you watched a program about Gabby Douglas. What is it about her that you look up to?
She tries her best to do flips and gymnastics. She tries her best on every event.
If you could hang out with Gabby Douglas for a day, what would you want to do?
I’d like to do flips with her.
Do you play any other sports?
No. I used to do cheer but, at the end of the year, I started to do gymnastics and tumbling.
Do you look up to any other athletes?
Simone Biles.
Let’s say someone new comes to your gymnastics school, is learning everything for the first time and asks you for advice. What would you tell her?
I would tell her, if she was struggling on something, “Do you need help?” Something like that.
What’s the best lesson a coach has taught you?
They taught me how to do new stuff.
Is there any advice they’ve given you that helped you get better at a lot of things?
Keep your legs tight and don’t bend them, and keep them together.
Of all the events you’ve competed in, which was your favorite?
The Greensboro one, because it was out of state and the big kids were there.
Did you meet any of the big kids? Did they give you any advice?
My friends gave me advice to help me out. They said, “It’s OK. You can do this.”