Sam Sheldon is a senior gymnast for the Packers.

Q: What sports do you compete in?

A: I compete in gymnastics and cheer.

Q: How did you originally get into gymnastics?

A: I got into gymnastics through the Summer Daze program at the YMCA.

Q: What’s your favorite sports memory?

A: My favorite gymnastics memory is when I threw up on floor during sections (just kidding!). My favorite memory was going to state and getting third place as a team. We all felt excited and relieved!

Q: What have you learned from sports?

I have learned dedication and balance. In this sport you can’t take the summers off without losing skills. To gain skills you also have to put a lot of hours into the gym to train. But, you also have to balance school into it as well.

Q: What is the hardest part about sports?

The hardest part about this sport is everything mentally. Certain gymnastics skills are kind of scary, so the hardest part is overcoming those mental blocks.

Q: How do you keep your focus when competing?

A: I keep my focus by knowing what I want to accomplish in the end.

Q: Who is your biggest sports role model and why?

A: I have many role models of past Austin High School gymnasts like Carolyn Hackel, Sela Fadness, and Jennifer Boyle. But, Maddie Mullenbach has been the biggest. I was on a team with her for 3 years and she had taught me so much! She always pushed me to be better and she has persuaded me into considering college gymnastics.

Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?

A: My favorite TV show is vampire diaries.

Q: What is your favorite subject in school?

A: My favorite subject is anatomy or CEO (creating entrepreneurial opportunities).

Q: What is your dream job?

A: My dream job is to be an anesthesiologist.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: My favorite food is popcorn.

Q: What are your plans after high school?

A: My plans are to either go to Madison, Wisconsin and do cheerleading, or go to Stout and do gymnastics. Hopefully I will major in something Medical.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you or hobby you enjoy most people don’t know about?

A: A fun fact is I make bath bombs and other bath products (for my CEO class).

Q: If you could have one super power, what would it be?

A: If I had one super power I would fly.