Kyla Ross won 4th place for the All-Around at the Visa Championships - the next to the last stop on the road to London 2012. She also placed 2nd on Uneven Bars, 4th on Beam, and 6th on Floor.  15-year-old Kyla lives in Aliso Viejo, California and trains at Gym-Max Gymnastics under head coach Jenny Zhang.  Her foray into the sport began in 1999 when her mom enrolled her in a gymnastics class to harness all of her energy.  Kyla's current goal is to secure one of the 5 spots on the the 2012 Olympic Team.  Her dream may come true in just days. In the meantime, GK got to learn a little more about Kyla so we wanted to share with our friends and fans. 

GK:  When did you start in gymnastics?

Kyla: I have been doing gymnastics since I was 3 years old.

GK:  So, are you training for anything in particular right now?  : )

Kyla:  The Olympic Trials! 

GK:  What’s your training schedule like currently?

Kyla:  I train 6 days a week for about 32 hours a week.

GK:  There has been so much speculation about the coveted “five spots” for the Olympic Team and the need for strong all-arounders versus event specialists.  Where do you think you fit in and what do you have to offer the team if chosen? 

Kyla: I have won several AA titles in my gymnastic career so, I would like to think that I could contribute to the team in that same fashion.  Recently, my strongest events have been beam and bars, which I think are very important contributions to the team.

GK:  You have a considerable amount of international experience – does it give you an advantage in competition? 

Kyla: I have a lot of international experience.  Prior to this year, I had been on the Junior National Team since 2009.  As a junior, I went on practically every international assignment that the USA competed in.  I became a senior this past January and I have already done 2 international assignments. I feel that it is definitely an advantage because the international conditions can be so different from what we are used to here in the states.  This goes for everything…weather, food, time zone, equipment, etc.  The more experience you have, the easier it becomes to adapt to anywhere you go.

GK:  What is your favorite event and why?

Kyla:  Beam!  I have always loved beam because I feel it is extremely challenging every time you get on it.  I also find that it showcases the most grace and perfection with every move you make.

GK:  What is your coach reminding you of constantly?

Kyla:  During my competitions my coach is always reminding me to visualize in my head my routine for my next event.

GK:  What’s on your iPod?

Kyla: One Direction, Rhianna, Beyonce, P Diddy, and Justin Bieber are some of the artists I listen to.

GK: Do you have a favorite GK gymnastics leotard?

Kyla: The red, white, and blue Freedom Gymnastics Leotard I wore on day 2 of the 2012 Visa Championships.

GK: How did you like modeling gymnastics leotards for the 2012-2013 GK Competitive Catalog?

Kyla: I had a lot of fun modeling and I enjoyed doing it with Aly Raisman.

GK: What did you think of the GK SWAROVSKI Couture Gymnastics Leotard?

Kyla: I thought it was very elegant and beautiful with all the crystal ELEMENTS on it.  I couldn’t believe how much it sparkled and how heavy it was!

GK: What do you do on your day off or down time – if you have any right now?

Kyla:  Whenever I have free time I like hanging out with my friends and family, go shopping, and I just started online classes to get my driver’s license!

GK: What are you most proud of so far in your gymnastics career?

Kyla: I’m proud that I have made it this far in gymnastics within such a short amount of time. I also feel very fortunate to compete for Team USA and have traveled to all the places I have been to.

Good Luck Kyla!  GK will be cheering you on at the Olympic Trials June 29-July 1, 2012 in San Jose, California. 

Check out Kyla in the GK 2012-2013 Women's Competitive Catalog here!

GK. Choice of Champions.