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

RACHAEL LUKACS.

Lukacs trains at North Stars Gymnastics Academy and won all-around gold in the Senior A division at J.O. Nationals with a 38.65.

She had an incredible season, also winning the senior session of the prestigious Nastia Liukin Cup. She is committed to the University of Georgia for 1018-2019.

FloGymnastics: How did J.O. Nationals start for you?
Rachael Lukacs: Going into the meet I was a little nervous, but I knew I had to stay calm and be aggressive and believe in myself if I wanted to do my best.

My first event was vault (which is always a good thing) and my warm ups were okay. I competed my first vault and I knew right when I landed it wasn't the vault I’d been training for.

I walked back for my second vault and just reviewed my corrections and cues and realized this was my time. I came her for a reason—to prove to myself that I believe. I knew I had to just give it my all on my last vault and I knew God was right there with me.

I landed that vault and knew it was the one. Just seeing Tony's reaction made my day. Knowing that he was proud just made me more determined. 

How did you feel when you finished the meet?
I was very proud and happy especially for my Region 7 team. We all did amazing and we won Senior A as a team. We all bonded so well and we were all there for each other. I couldn’t ask for nothing more.

What’s next for you?
Next for me is just training during the summer and in November I will be competing in Germany for The region 7 All Star Team. 

Rapid fire questions:

How did you get started in gymnastics?
I was 4 when I started gymnastics. I was put into classes for therapeutical reasons. I had to choose between dance and gymnastics and obviously chose the best sport ever: gymnastics.

Do you have a history of gymnasts in your family?
My grandfather was a gymnast.

If you had to switch to a different sport, what would it be?
if I had to switch to a different sport I'd probably do wresting. (It runs in my family)

Favorite season of the year?
My favorite season would be Christmas because I get to spend a lot of time with my family and celebrate the birth of Christ.

Favorite food?
I love sushi. I can't live without it



Related:
We are the Champions: Rachael Flam
We are the Champions: Emma Marchese
We are the Champions: Kyla Bryant
We are the Champions: Taylor Houchin
We are the Champions: Maddie Karr
These NCAA Teams Had the Best Showing at 2016 J.O. Nationals
Top Routines on Each Event at J.O. Nationals
Results: Level 10 J.O. Nationals