This week's Friday Focus shines a spotlight on Stanford senior Kristina Vaculik. Vaculik is from Whitby, Ontario and represented Canada at the 2012 Olympic Games. She is a solid and high scoring competitor for the Cardinal, competing on all four events throughout her career. 

 

What is your favorite memory as a gymnast, so far?

I’ve had many amazing experiences throughout my gymnastics career, but the one that tops them all would have to be the 2012 Olympic Games in London. It was an incredible moment in my life, not just because it had been my dream since I was nine years old, but also because it was symbolic of the years of endless support I had been granted from my family, coaches, friends, teammates, teachers and doctors. The feeling of being filled with so much gratitude and national pride is something that I will never forget.  

 

If you weren’t doing gymnastics, what would you be doing? 

If I weren’t doing gymnastics, I would be shadowing doctors and applying for medical school because I am passionate about health promotion and want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. 

 

Have you ever done anything embarrassing in practice? Competition?

I am notorious for tripping over my own feet while doing my floor dance. The funniest instances have been in practice when I complete a great tumble pass and then trip out of it as I begin my dance.    

 

If you had a day off from practice, how would you spend your free time?

I love exploring and spending time with family and friends. With a day off of practice I would head up to San Francisco to check out the sights.   

 

If you could be any other gymnast, who would you be? 

I would be Ivana Hong because she is an amazing person and teammate!  

 

Who is your childhood hero?

My childhood hero is my older brother Michael. I wanted to be just like him in every aspect. I had my first gymnastics class with him and now we both have aspirations to go to medical school. 

 

What is your ideal, pre-competition meal?

Eggs any style! Eggs are awesome. 

 

Describe your pre-competition routine. 

I like to sleep in and be super lazy the day of a competition. I put on some uplifting songs while getting ready and then text my parents before heading to the arena. 

 

What does gymnastics look like for you in the next year?

This year is my last year of collegiate gymnastics. While I am excited for the season to begin, I am also torn because I realize that I only have a limited number of days to do what I love with my amazing team. 

 

How would you describe your personality?

My teammates say that I am ‘calm, cool and collected.’ I am also very devoted and compassionate. 

 

What is your worst habit in the gym?

I get attached to certain leos and will wear them until they get holes, or people start to question if I own anything else. 

 

In ten years, where do you see yourself and what will you be doing?

In 10 years I see myself starting my own practice as a sports medicine doctor. 

 

Who are three of your role models outside the gym?

My biggest role models outside of the gym have been my parents, my older brother Michael, and my Canadian sport doctor. 

 

Who are two gymnasts you admire most? Why?

I’ve admired Ksenia Afanasyeva for her work ethic and balletic style, and Sandra Izbasa for her incredibly powerful vault and floor and her poise. 

 

If you made a life bucket list, what would be your number one activity to accomplish?

I want to travel the world!

 

How do you recover after a hard workout in the gym?

After a hard workout in the gym, I like to relax in a hot whirl pool and then make a banana berry recovery smoothie. 

 

Pick one word to describe your attitude/personality in the gym. 

Devoted.

 

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to overcome in gymnastics?

Missing the opportunity to go to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, then pulling out from the alternate position due to an elbow condition that required surgery. 

 

What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?

“My Body” by Young the Giant. 

 

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

To golf like a pro.  

 

If you could witness any event past, present, or future, what would it be?

I would want to witness Martin Luther King Junior’s calling for human equality in his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. 

 

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

Family vacation! 

 

What is your biggest fear?

Being onboard an airplane that crash-lands into an ocean and inexplicably has no flotation devices. My teammates know very well that I cannot swim for my life.

 

What motivates you to work hard in and out of the gym?

What motivates me is my will to be better than I was the day before – whether that be in gym, in the classroom, or with how I treat others. 

 

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Being accepted into Stanford University. 

 

Besides gymnastics, what is your favorite sport to watch/play?

I love watching soccer, volleyball, and recently baseball – Go Giants! 

 

What song would you sing at Karaoke night?

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. 

 

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Breakfast. Did I mention I love eggs? 

 

Do you have nicknames? If so, what are they?

Kayvac, Kristonia, Special-K, Vacoolwhip. 

 

How would your friends describe you?

They would say I am compassionate and easygoing. 

 

What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

Bungee jumping and parasailing! 

 

What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?

Sunscreen, a water purifier and a solar powered jet-ski.

 

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?

Duck feet when I was in China. 

 

Do you collect anything?

I’ve collected cobblestones and seashells from some of the countries I’ve been to for international competition. 

Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?

Sadly no … I have British ties but I’ll never be royal. It doesn’t run in my blood. 

 

On a scale of 1-10 how funny would you say you are?

11 ... haha!

 

If you could join any past or current music group, which would you want to join?

The Black Eyed Peas. I was obsessed with their last album “The End.” 

 

Who is your best friend and how did you meet?

One of my best friends is Shanaz. We trained together at Gemini Gymnastics and went to the same high school. 

 

Are you creative in any way? If so, how?

I love photography and like to take pictures of nature and architecture. I also love to dance and draw. 


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