This profile on gymnast Natalie McGiffert is one in a series on individuals in the community who are involved with the world of sports.
Natalie McGiffert
By Seth Rubinroit / Special to The Malibu Times
In 2008, American gymnasts Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin attracted the attention of the nation by each winning a gold medal in the Beijing Olympics in artistic gymnastics. In contrast, no American rhythmic gymnast has commanded comparable attention, since not one has yet captured a medal in Olympic competition.
Natalie McGiffert hopes to change the perception of American rhythmic gymnastics-a sport that involves the use of balls, clubs, hoops, and ribbons and ropes in the competitor’s routine-when she is older. The 12-year-old, who is in seventh grade at Malibu High School, trains with her coach Marina Kukhta at Monarch’s Gymnastics in Agoura. In 2007, United States of America Gymnastics named McGiffert “Gymnast of the Year” for her region in Level 4. In 2008, she was named “Gymnast of the Year” for Level 5, and this year, after skipping a level, she was named “Gymnast of the Year” for Level 7. In June, McGiffert posted the third highest score in the country for Level 7 at the Junior Olympics Championships in Chicago. She has since been named to the Future Stars National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team, and attended a training camp at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, N.Y., where she worked with coaches from the USA Gymnastics National Team.
You were named to the Future Stars National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team, which means that USA Gymnastics recognized you as one of the top 40 rhythmic gymnasts in the nation in the age group 7-12. How did you react when you were told you earned this honor?
I could not believe it at first, but then I got used to the idea of being in the top 40 girls. It definitely shocked me to be given this honor.
What is your proudest gymnastic accomplishment?
I think the proudest accomplishment was when I skipped Level 6. I was surprised and ecstatic that my coach thought I was ready to be in the higher levels!
How often do you train per week?
I train five days a week plus I have ballet classes on Tuesday and Thursday. Each of my gym practices are four hours long and my ballet classes are an hour and a half long.
How does taking ballet lessons help your gymnastics?
By taking ballet you get more graceful in general, which is very important in rhythmic gymnastics. Ballet really helps rhythmic gymnastics because it strengthens your legs, and teaches you to present yourself musically and with grace.
How do you balance training and school?
I balance my school and my training by being super organized with how I spend my time during the week. I have to get my homework done before I go the gym each day. Also, I stay in touch with my friends, and that makes things seem normal.
How do you overcome nerves prior to a competition?
I do not really overcome my nerves. I just kind of forget them right before I go on, and use it as a source of energy.
Which gymnasts do you look up to?
I know that this may seem silly, but I look up to a 10-year-old girl named Brigita Budginas. She is in the level ahead of me because she skipped a level last year too. She is on my team.
Why did you pick rhythmic gymnastics?
Well, I did not quite pick rhythmic gymnastics. My coach kind of picked me. She saw me when I was trying out for artistic gymnastics and asked me to try rhythmic. After my first class, I knew it was what I wanted to do for a sport.
You have competed throughout the country. Where has been your favorite place to compete?
My favorite place to compete so far was definitely in Washington, D.C. at the Capitol Challenge. I liked it the most because it was a very well run meet, and it was in a very clean facility.
Where does your passion for gymnastics come from?
My passion comes from my family’s support, and the fun of having something that I love to do. It also comes from the support of my teammates and my coach, Marina Kukhta.
Other than gymnastics, what do you like to do?
I like to do arts and crafts, swimming, dancing and running.
What is your next goal for gymnastics?
My next goal in rhythmic is to do as well as possible in Level 8, 9 and maybe 10.
What do you want to do when you grow up?
I really do not know what I want to do. Rhythmic gymnastics is one of my first priorities, but I do not really know yet.