Meet the Athlete - Victoria Sweeney

Who: Victoria Sweeney
Age: 14, entering the 9th Grade at De Soto High School
What: Level 10 Gymnast at Pinnacle Gymnastics
About: Victoria is a kind, natural leader. She encourages her teammates every day at practice and pushes herself to be better every day. Learn more about Victoria from her own perspective below!

What's your family like?

I have a good sized family with 6 brothers and sisters. The oldest is my sister, Ashley, who is 25 is a doctor and now is interning as an interventional radiologist. My oldest brother, Tyler, died when I was 11 months old. My 2^nd oldest brother, Christian, has a wife and is expecting a son. He is in law school. Next is my brother, Joel, who is in college in Ohio studying to be a pharmacist Then there is Hope, who is a junior at De Soto and wants to be a neonatal nurse. I am 6^th and am going to be a freshman in high school. Last but not least, is the youngest, my brother Jude. He is going to be in 7^thgrade and has an amazing gifted voice. My  mom and dad who have loved us all these years are caring and always support us in our decisions. My brother Jude, sister Hope, and I are all adopted. Jude is from Africa and Hope and I are from South Korea. We are a unique, fun, and loving family. We also have a beautiful husky named Sasha and two lovely cats.

What is your earliest memory (and your age) of doing or seeing gymnastics?

I started gymnastics when I was 8 years old; I had started doing ballet and wanted some more energetic activity. My mom signed me up for gymnastics at Pinnacle then. I remember looking in the back of the gym and seeing girls doing mind-blowing skills! I knew that was what I wanted to do.

What are your pre-competition rituals?

Before meets on the road, I eat a double-chocolate banana muffin for breakfast. I also mentally do my routines that I’m about to compete.

Do you have a lucky charm?

I don’t have a lucky charm, but at all my meets my dad holds up an emoji pillow with heart eyes that makes me smile or laugh.

How do you unwind after a competition?

After a competition, my family and I always go to Cheesecake Factory or to Red Robin. If we were at a traveling meet, I enjoy the shirt from that state.

Within your sport, who has been your greatest influence and why?

I would have to name more than one. One of my greatest influences has been my parents; they have always been 100% supportive of me when I do gymnastics. When I am having a rough day or having trouble making a decision (either in gymnastics or outside of gymnastics), they help guide me and support me. They have always and will always be affectionate and  encouraging. Coach Hanna Cooke is also someone who does and has influenced me. Coach Hanna taught my first class which was 5/6 intermediate. She still motivates me to be the best that I can be. Lastly, Coach Hannah Thomas and Coach Morgan have been a positive, tremendous influence. They strive to help me become a better gymnast. On the challenging days they help me overcome my obstacles. They are very supportive and help me do the best that I can. If I have a goal, they make it their goal. I am very grateful to have all these people in my life, helping me.