University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Freshman Spotlight: Noah Duran
12/8/2020 12:01:00 PM | Men's Gymnastics
For Gophers freshman Noah Duran, competing as a college gymnast has been on his mind from day one. A graduate of Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, Duran has a resume both in and out of the gym that is impressive for someone just entering his first year of college. As a Region 3 team member in 2019, Duran was not only a JE national qualifier, but ultimately placed 6th on pommel horse at Nationals. Beyond that, Duran's work in the classroom led to him being named an Academic All-American a total of four times.
GopherSports: When did you start competing in gymnastics and what made you fall in love with it?
Noah Duran: I started competing in level 4 when I was 8 years old, and I fell in love with the sport when I began competing as an optional gymnast. Being able to construct my own routines is a part of the sport I really enjoy, and that was introduced when I became an optional.
GS: What is your favorite/most memorable gymnastics moment prior to coming to Minnesota?
ND: My favorite gymnastics moment prior to coming to Minnesota was when my club team competed at our first team cup. The competition focused on the team score rather than my individual score, and that led to it being an extremely fun experience.
GS: What is your intended major and why?
ND: I intend on majoring in finance. I chose this major because I find it interesting, and I believe it plays to my academic strengths.
GS: What is this year going to mean to you?
ND: With the current situation, this may be my last year of gymnastics. This year means a lot to me because it may be my only chance to compete as a college gymnast, a goal I've been working towards my entire life.
GS: How will you use this upcoming year to the best of your ability?
ND: Although COVID-19 has made the year more difficult, I am still training and studying to the best of my abilities, so that I may continue to be successful in my future.