Junior Carol Kim, one of Oxford Academy’s bright gymnastics stars, qualified at nationals for three consecutive years and maintained her place as an athlete of Team USA. Members of Team USA represent the United States at international competitions like the Olympics. Kim has experience in rhythmic gymnastics and is currently participating in aesthetics gymnastics, in which she qualified at nationals.
Kim first started gymnastics at six years old, inspired by the passion and joy her family members showed in playing their respective sports. Though such an accomplished athlete in her field now, Kim’s start was unplanned.
“I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I wanted to start artistic gymnastics first, but when I went, it was actually a rhythmic gymnastics gym. I started, and I liked it, so I kept on going.” Kim said.
Kim realized her passion for the sport at level 5 of the Compulsory levels (1-5) in the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Gymnastics competitions. With the last Compulsory level completed, Kim undertook the Optional levels 6-10, which would allow her to showcase her skills and compete at the top levels.
After completing up to level 9 of the Optional levels for rhythmic gymnastics, Kim switched to aesthetics gymnastics, which focused more on flourished movements and routines done as a team. Before, her goals were set on making the Junior Olympics as a youth athlete. As of now, she’s determined to compete with the national team and qualify for World Championships and World Cups.
Junior Carol Kim is determined to compete with the national team and qualify for World Championships and World Cups.
Though Kim has prior experience competing in rhythmic gymnastics, which utilizes equipment such as ribbons, hoops, and clubs, she currently competes in aesthetic gymnastics, a group event that is characterized by bold and flashy movements. As captain of her team, Kim bears a lot of responsibilities including managing her team members, finding apparel for competitions, and leading the group in warm-up routines.
However, her road to success wasn’t always easy. Kim faced many struggles, especially during COVID and quarantine; the distance between the athletes and the loss of a sense of community led many gymnasts to quit.
“A lot of people quit during that time,” Kim said. “It was really challenging because some of your friends quit and you don’t know what to do,”
However, she persevered by reflecting on her achievements; through hours of practice every day, Kim had honed her skills and her mental game, resolutely persisting even through the hardest of situations. Furthermore, she didn’t want to betray her passion for the sport.
“[Gymnastics] gives me a purpose. There’s two sides to me, two sides to my life. It fuels me to keep going in life.” Kim said.
Kim has her sights set high as she continues to pursue and excel in her love for gymnastics. She hopes to finish this season of gymnastics and continue for one more year during her senior year but is still unsure of her future as a gymnast post high school.
“I feel like I really want to coach. I want to be an influence for little kids and make them pursue their dreams. It’s one of my passions,” Kim said.
