University of Minnesota Athletics
My Gymnastics Story: Selena Ung
12/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
The sport of gymnastics is no easy feat. The years of tough training both mentally and physically push gymnasts to their limits in order to succeed at the highest level. Gophersports.com sat down with the University of Minnesota women's gymnastics team to learn where each of these 14 women came from in order to call themselves Golden Gophers.
The past 12 years of my gymnastics career have been an amazing journey. My parents first signed me up for gymnastics when I was seven-years-old. I started a little later than most, however, I never saw that as a disadvantage. Like most collegiate athletes, I couldn't imagine my life without my sport. I've always wondered where I would be and the kind of person I would be if I hadn't done gymnastics. I would definitely not be the person I am today if it weren't for gymnastics. There are many obstacles that comes with being a gymnast; the mental blocks, the injuries, the setbacks and the failures. Despite this, sticking with this sport and choosing to push through all the tough times has been one of the best decisions of my life. This sport has helped shape me into the person I am today while teaching me many skills that I can apply throughout my life.
Gymnastics has taught me more about life than any book, class or teacher ever has. It has taught me time management, which has been an important skill so far through my college experience. The most important skill I believe I have learned is being able to set measurable goals and being able to push myself to achieve those goals. Gymnastics has helped me develop skills that are necessary to be successful. Some of these are self-efficacy, being able to perseverance, being internally motivated, confident, resilient, determined and many more. It has taught me how to be mentally tough and to do whatever it takes to be successful.
I love being in the gym and putting in the work towards my goals. The gym is also a place I can get away from everything. No matter what's going on in my life, the moment I set foot in the gym, I can just leave it all at the door and focus on doing what I love. I also love how hard gymnastics is. There is no limit and there is always room for improvement. You can never become perfect at this sport.
I'm so glad I chose to be a gymnast here at the University of Minnesota. I am so blessed to be a part of this amazing team with this incredible group of girls. Each person has made me feel so included and a part of their family for the short amount of time that I have been here. I can't wait to experience my freshman year with them by my side and am excited to see what the next four years will bring!
- Selena Ung
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