Taylor Ricci Is Reaching New Heights

Gymnastics star Taylor Ricci talks to Youthink about competing at the national and international level and her proudest accomplishments.

Imagine hurtling through the air, completing two full backwards rotations at an alarmingly fast rate and somehow, through the dizziness and disorientation, landing with both feet firmly on the ground. No, this is not some twisted roller-coaster ride, this is simply the everyday reality for elite gymnast, Taylor Ricci. A Seycove Secondary student, Ricci is a senior national artistic gymnast who, despite being only 16-years-old, is already making a splash on the national and international scene. She has medalled in numerous competitions, excelling in all four events: vault, bars, beam and floor. Ricci balances long gruelling training hours with straight A’s, demonstrating true dedication to her sport and her studies. Taylor managed to stop flipping for a moment to chat with Youthink about her gymnastics journey.

YT: How did you get involved in gymnastics?

TR: I joined with a friend at a young age for fun and I just fell in love with the sport. I’ve been doing it ever since. It’s been 12 years.


YT: Which is your 
favourite event?

TR: My favourite event is bars because it is the most difficult, so I feel a really rewarding sense of accomplishment when I learn a new skill on bars. 


YT: What is your proudest accomplishment?

TR: I would say coming first all around at my first international competition in London, England, which was last October. I competed against roughly 60 people from many different countries, including England and South Africa.


YT: What are some awards and recognition you have received?

TR: This year, I won the Kate Richardson Female Athlete of the Year from Gymnastics BC. Within my club, I won the Sandra Hartley Award, which is based on leadership, an important quality for an athlete to possess. I’ve received several top scholar awards and the Junior Science Award at my annual school awards night. And I’ve made honour roll with distinction (an above 90 average) for all my years of high school.


YT: What challenges have you faced as a gymnast?

TR: One challenge that I, as well as almost all elite gymnasts face, is growing or growth spurts. The ideal gymnasts are typically very small, so when you start growing, you have to adjust your body and relearn a lot of skills. Other challenges I’ve faced are mental obstacles. Previously, I was really scared of trying a new skill, but have eventually gotten over the mental block.


YT: How much time do you spend training each week?

TR: I train 30 hours a week, five to six days a week. It’s definitely a big time commitment. I leave school at lunch and train from 
1:00 p.m. until 6:30ish, then I come home, eat dinner, shower and finish all my homework.


YT: What are your future goals?

TR: My short-term goals would be to place in the Top 5 at Elite Canada and to make the senior national team. My long-term goals would be to receive a scholarship in the States for gymnastics and hopefully make the Olympic team in 2012. 


YT: What advice would you give to young aspiring gymnasts?

TR: It is not going to be an easy sport and you are going to have to work really hard, so make sure you love it. Remember the reason why you started the sport. Remember why you love it.

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