We're continuing our series on the top all-arounders at 2016 J.O. Nationals by catching up with Senior C champion,

EMMA MARCHESE.

Marchese trains at Hill’s Gymnastics, and scored a 38.50 to secure the Senior C title at Nationals. She underwent elbow surgery in November and didn’t start her season until February, but Marchese believes that helped her peak at just the right time.

FloGymnastics: How did you feel going into the competition?
Emma Marchese: I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect in the weeks between Regionals and Nationals. I knew going into the meet that I was physically ready, but I needed to be mentally tough to compete the way I wanted.

What was the highlight of the meet?
Hugging my friends and coaches after I did well.

What did it feel like when they called your name as national champion?
It was a surreal moment, and I still haven’t comprehended that it happened.

What are you looking forward to most about next year?
Just being a senior.

What’s next for you?
Make new goals and attend college at the University of North Carolina.

Do you have particular upgrades you’re excited to learn?
I’m excited to get my Ray back on bars because I finally found a single-bar release that fits.

Rapid-fire questions:

What do you love most about gymnastics?
The opportunities it brings. I’ve made so many friendships all around the country because of where the sport brings me, and have an exciting college career to look forward to.

Did you play any other sports growing up?
I played just about all of them, but gymnastics was the only one that was exciting enough.

If you had to switch to a different sport right now, what would you choose?
Swimming. I love being in the water.

What are your summer goals?
I just want to throw some big skills and also invent my own.


Related:
We are the Champions: Kyla Bryant
We are the Champions: Taylor Houchin
We are the Champions: Maddie Karr