Page 24 - Cornwall 4 2021

ESTATE CELEBRITY

continuing with my LLB, my second degree, the constant repetition over and over, and (as I am not financially supported by my
which I will complete by the end of next year. the coach “patiently” standing on the side- federation or government), to my mom
It is a five year course in which you attain two lines. staying up into the wee hours of the
degrees. morning, re-gluing crystals on all my Olympic
I always take days like those as more of a leotards made in Russia, ensuring that they
What sort of commitment does it take mental training day than a physical training are in top form and shine when I’m on the
to compete at this level in terms of time, day. Things can and do go wrong at a international carpet. My two sisters, Caitlin
energy, etc? And how do you balance that competition and then you can’t just give up, and Teagan, have had to deal with the
with your studies? so I use the training opportunity to improve inevitable familial challenges a competitive
It has not always been easy and at times concentration, persistence and perseverance. sport creates and yet, despite this, they are
even extremely difficult to balance sports One bad day of training can lead to hundreds still there for me to lend a helping hand when
and studies. There have been many ups and of successful competitions because of times get tough, with motivational speeches
many downs. I train for a minimum of four the lessons learnt from the mistakes. In and love.
hours per day, and more including weekends October 2019 I tore my meniscus and had
in competition season, thus juggling studies to have it surgically repaired – a serious My mom has always been there as the
and training is quite a challenge. The upside knee operation – but I was able to draw on biggest motivating factor. She has helped
to this schedule is that I have learned to use my mental strength and I got back up three me through my most difficult times and
my time wisely, and when I have to work, I months later and trained within six weeks no matter what, she has been at my side to
really work! to compete at the African Championships support me and help me to keep strong. She
2020 Olympic qualifier, placing fourth overall. is my best friend, my truest supporter and
I believe gymnastics has given me a level of Disappointingly, the apparatus played without her I would not be who I am today.
self-discipline that has made me work harder up during that competition costing me a Her inspirational quote to me since age five
to achieve the impossible. Commitment podium place, but I am determined that I will has been : “A flower doesn’t compete with
in a competitive sport like mine is most be on the podium next time! another flower, it just BLOOMS Shanny!” .
important as it requires long hours of
training, repetition and a healthy lifestyle. The How do the people around you, such My coach Nina is my second mom because
ability to stay strong mentally despite bad as your family and coach, support your I have been with her from such a young
days is also important. There are days that passion? age. She has always considered me as the
you think your apparatus hates you because My family has done the world for me and daughter she didn’t have, accompanying me
it keeps running away, you keep dropping without them I would not be where I am when travelling internationally and sharing
apparatus during routines, you are just not today. My parents have given up so much all my ups and downs too. I am blessed
performing well, or you are injured or tired, for me to achieve my dreams; from my dad to have a coach who has so much love for
and this is when the going gets tough with giving me all the opportunities financially me as not many gymnasts have this kind
22 Cornwall View • Issue 4 2021