The gymnast among us Nicole Sladkov

The gymnast among us Nicole Sladkov

Often times as students, we focus so closely on our academic lives in school and in return, miss the unique student body around us. Nicole Sladkov (11) is ranked among the top Rhythmic Dance performers in the nation.

The Scratching Post: When did you start to participate in the sport of gymnastics?

Nicole Sladkov: I started gymnastics around the age of four and began competing at the age of six.

TSP: How often do you practice?

NS: This depends on the timing of the season. I practice six days a week, three and a half hours to four hours per day. A typical training consists of warm-up, ballet, stretching, running and drilling routines, and ending with strengthening and conditioning exercises provided by the physical therapy staff on site. The intensity of training hours varies depending on the time of the competition season. Preparation for international competitions requires more time in the gym. Sometimes, it involves skipping school. In 2012, in preparation for the Pan American Games in Argentina, I had to miss one month of school. My teachers were very supportive and allowed me come in outside of school hours to catch up on missed work and tests.

TSP: What role do your parents play in your success?

NS: My mom plays a huge role in my success in this sport. She is a former rhythmic gymnast herself. She began coaching long before I was born. She sparked my interest in this sport from a very young age. When I was a toddler, my mom would take me to gym. She would work with the older girls, and I would run around trying to copy their moves and skills. She inspires me to work to the best of my abilities and push myself beyond my limits. Without her constant support, I would not be where I am in my career today.

TSP: How competitive is the industry you compete in?

NS: Rhythmic Gymnastics began its debut in this country in 1963 with the establishment of the national governing body of USA Gymnastics. The sport is more dominant in European countries, although its popularity has been on the rise in the US. To make the junior or senior national team, a gymnast must qualify and compete at the USA National Champions and rank within the top eight of all gymnasts in the country.

TSP: How long do you plan on performing and practicing?

NS: I plan to continue throughout the rest of high school. Of course, the Olympics have always been a dream for me, and this is the goal I continue to strive for.

TSP: How do you balance training and school?

TSP: What is the highest level that you’ve competed at?

NS: : Being on the national team and an Elite Level 10 rhythmic gymnast has allowed me to travel nationally and internationally, representing our country at different competitions. In 2012, I was a part of the FIG Junior National Group of USA. We competed at the Pan American games where we swept three gold medals in our ball routine, rope routine, and the all-around. This was our biggest accomplishment of the time. The following two years, I continued to compete as member of the Junior National Group. In 2015, I became a senior in gymnastics and went back to individuals. It was a challenge going back to individuals, but my coaches and I worked hard and put forth an extreme amount of effort. Through this, I was able to make my way to the 2015 USA National Championships that took place in Greensboro, North Carolina. I competed, made the cut for finals, and finished eleventh All-Around. In 2016, I continued to compete as a senior. I was able to qualify for my second consecutive National Championships that were held in Providence, Rhode Island. There, I performed well and made it to the all-around finals where I placed tenth all-around in the country. Qualifying two years in a row was a true honor for me and was a great way to show how my hard work paid off. This year in July, at the National Senior division tryouts, I was selected for team training for World Championships that will be held in Pesaro, Italy in September of 2017.

TSP: Where do you train?

NS:  I started up with M&N Rhythmic Academy at the Gym Spot in Mundelein. A second location was added later at the Sullivan Center of the Vernon Hills Park District. When I competed as a level 8 gymnast, I was selected to become a national team member that required training outside of the state. Our current training base is located in the Chicago area. This allows me to attend Vernon Hills High School with minimal adjustments to my class schedule.

TSP: How has gymnastic changed you as a person? ?

NS: Gymnastics has changed me as a person and has developed my character. It has put me through both effortless and difficult situations. The sport is naturally competitive, and having a self-driven personality is a huge benefit. Gymnastics has helped me shape my adaptive and team-spirited personality.