Senior National Team Member, Maggie Nichols, trains at Twin City Twisters with coaches Sarah Jantzi, Rich Stenger, Mike Hunger and Sami Wozney.  Maggie is a consistent and strong all-around gymnast that could help Team USA on the world stage.

At the U.S. Classic, Maggie placed third all-around, third on floor, fifth on bars and seventh on beam. At last year’s 2013 P&G Championships Maggie placed fifth all-around and sixth on bars. Maggie said in an interview with Gymnastike that she will be working hard to prepare for Championships. Maggie plans to work hard on cleaning up her form on vault, making her connections more consistent on bars, eliminating wobbles on beam, and hitting all connections and sticking passes on floor. For Maggie to be a contributor to the World Championship Team these improvements will be important for her. Watch her interview here.

 

Maggie’s Chances 

Maggie is a very consistent competitor who is following quietly in the shadows of Simone Biles and Kyla Ross. She is a hard worker and often a perfectionist, like many gymnasts are. Maggie is certainly one gymnast that Martha will have her eye on at Championships to see if she will make the World team. 

In 2014, Maggie was a member of the Jesolo Team and she competed at the Tokyo World Cup where she placed third all-around. Maggie also competed internationally in 2013. This international experience could be very important as she looks to make the World Championship team later this year. Maggie will need to improve on her connections on beam and bars to maximize her start values. 

Gymnastike spoke with Maggie’s coach, Sarah Jantzi. 

What do you think it will take for Maggie to make the world team?

“Maggie loves to compete.  I think in order for her to be considered for the world team she needs to improve a little on the execution in her routines from classics and show that she is the athlete that will be consistent in competition for team USA!”

 

Where would she fit into the World Championship Team?

Maggie has proven herself to be an all-around competitor during the 2014 season. Her strong performances could help Team USA on the world stage later this year. Maggie could be a strong asset to Team USA in the qualification process and finals competition. 

Where do you think Maggie will help team USA the most?

“Maggie is a strong consistent competitor. She really doesn't have a weak event.  I always know what to expect every time she gets out to compete.  This is something that I believe to be great for team USA!”

 

How has training been going for Championships?

“I couldn't ask for better training!  Maggie is in her best shape both physically and mentally!  Her consistency has been great.  She has been attacking all of her landings and going after all of the small details leading up to championships!  She also has been a great leader for our other two juniors Abby Paulson and Olivia Trautman. Extremely positive and encouraging to them during training. I couldn't ask for a better senior teammate for them.”

 

“As I coach I feel great about where we are physically and mentally.  I wish the meet was already here!  I am excited to show (I know the girls are also) all of our hard work this past year!  I am so proud of Maggie, Abby and Olivia, and can't wait to see all of there hard work shine!”

Do you think Maggie will make the World Championship Team? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Watch Maggie's floor routine from Classics
Watch Maggie's bar routine from Classics

Related:
Senior Spotlight- Rachel Gowey
P&G Championships Start List