University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Spotlight: Justin Karstadt
8/18/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
Gophersports.com caught up with incoming freshman, Toronto, Ont. native, Justin Karstadt about what he's most looking forward to this coming season both on and off the competition floor.
How did you get into gymnastics?
When I was a kid, my parents put me into as many sports as possible. So when I was six-years-old, I was put into gymnastics and that's how it began!
Did you play any other sports growing up?
Growing up, I played baseball, ice hockey and soccer.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
When I was weighing up my options for schools to attend, Minnesota caught my eye because of how much potential there was in gymnastics and how strong the team was academically. The team is young with a lot of freshmen/sophomores, so I feel that there's huge potential in the team. The freshmen did great last year and with the incoming recruits, I feel like we're poised to make waves in the NCAA gymnastics world in the upcoming years. As for academics, I was impressed with how much Minnesota valued and prioritized academic excellence. The team has one of the highest GPA averages in the NCAA for men's gymnastics teams so that was a big factor in making my decision.
Have you chosen a major or leaning towards a specific area of study?
I've chosen to study Kinesiology in hopes of attending Medical School to become a sports medicine doctor.
What do you like to do in your free time when you're not training in the gym?
I love listening to music and making music mixes on my laptop. I also enjoy playing soccer and hanging out with friends.
What are you most looking forward to as a UMN gymnast?
Honestly, I'm super excited for the fresh Nike gear that I'll be getting... But on a more serious note, I followed the Gopher meets last year and I love the energy and excitement that comes with competing for the Gophers and I can't wait to experience it myself!
Who was your athletic role model growing up?
I have two athletic role models from two different sports: one is an NHL hockey player and former Minnesota Golden Gopher, Phil Kessel. The other is the gymnast Max Whitlock, who is a 2012 London Olympics double Bronze Medalist, Commonwealth and European Champion and 2014 World AA Silver Medalist.
What's your favorite part about gymnastics? Do you have a favorite apparatus?
My favorite part of gymnastics is the experiences that come with competing. I love traveling all around the world and making long lasting memories with my teammates. My favorite apparatus is pommel horse.
What type of music most pumps you up for competition?
House music pumps me up for competition. I have to be really serious and intense to compete at my best, so I like music that really gets the blood flowing.
Do you have any pre-competition rituals or superstitions?
Not really any pre-competition rituals or superstitions, but I usually listen to motivational videos to get my head straight and make sure I'm confident to hit my routines.
Players Mentioned
