Janáe Cox
Interview
What is your favorite thing about gymnastics?
"My favorite thing about gymnastics is the friendships that you get to have with your teammates and everything it teaches you like hard work, dedication, determination, and discipline."
What has gymnastics taught you?
"It has taught me how to work hard, set goals, manage my time wisely, and that it is okay if you aren't always perfect at something. Just do you best and that will be okay."
Why do you like training at SIGS?
"I like training at SIGS because we are like a family. Everyone is supportive of each other and truly cares for one another. Also because they care more about who you are and the person you will become after you are done with gymnastics than winning all kinds of gymnastics meets."
What has been your favorite gymnastics memory so far?
"I have so many that it is hard to choose but I do remember that there was only one meet in my entire life that I wasn't nervous for and that was level 9 regionals. We drove up to the meet and I remember my dad and I singing along to Garth Brooks tapes in the car."
In your opinion, what is the toughest thing about gymnastics?
"The toughest thing about gymnastics is overcoming all the mind games that you play on yourself."
What advice would you give to up-and-coming gymnasts?
"I would tell them that no matter what they do in gymnastics to make sure they are having fun and that their heart is into what they are doing. I would also want them to know that being a gymnast is just PART of who you are not ALL of who you are, be proud of who you are, and the last thing I would say is to appreciate other gymnasts and the sport of gymnastics."
When do you think your next competition is going to be?
"It is will be in late December or early January in Maui! :-)"
Who do you look up to as idols in life and gymnastics?
"Well I really don't have what I would call idols but in life I really look up to my brother Jason because he has gone through so much and he is still the same person. He isn't angry or bitter because of what he has gone through, he just accepts that situation and tries to make the best of the it. Gymnastics wise, I admire so many gymnasts it is hard to say."
Besides gymnastics, what other summer plans do you have?
"Well since my summer is almost over I don't have many plans. I might go up and watch Nationals but I'm not sure. School is starting soon so I have to get ready for that."
What is it like being so close with your gymnastics teammates and why is it special to you?
"It is the best feeling in the world. It is like you have two families. It is special to me because you always know that you have someone to talk to when you are having a bad day and it is great because they understand what you are going through. It is nice to know that your group of gymnastics friends are going to be friends for life and that you can talk to them and relate to them in some many different ways. They are just the best!"
How is gymnastics going for you right now?
"It is going great! I am getting back my old skills, learning new skills, and most of all I am having fun!"
If you could give one message to all your fans, what would you say?
"I would say thank you so much for sticking by throughout these past years and for liking my gymnastics especially since I am not really well-known. I would also say that your words of encouragement really have helped me get through this past year. THANKS!
:-D "
Thank you so much for taking your time to do this interview, Janáe!