Gymnastics: 10 Questions with Amara Cunningham

10 QUESTIONS WITH . . . GYMNASTICS AMARA CUNNINGHAM

ach issue of GoHuskies, our staff has a conversation with an exciting and dynamic UW athlete. This issue we feature Husky Gymnast Amara Cunningham.E

What has been your favorite place to visit in Seattle?

“My favorite place in Seattle would have to be Kerry Park. It has an amazing view of the skyline and is never crowded, which is a big plus.”

Why did you choose to come to UW?

“I chose UW because it has the perfect balance of athletics and academics. I knew I would have an amazing athletic experience here as well as experience some of the best academics in the country.”

Where is the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to?

“The most interesting and my favorite place I have traveled to has to be Aruba. The island has a population of just over 100,000, and yet has so much to do, explore, and eat.”

What do you do in your free time?

“In my free time, I like to explore the area around me. If that means I walk for 10 miles to go find a fun graffiti wall, then it looks like I’m walking 10 miles!”

If you were to create a slogan for your life. what would it be?

“As basic as this sounds my slogan would be, “Just do it”. When living my best life, I find that I don’t think much about what I am doing, and don’t think about the long-term effects of anything. I just like to enjoy what I am doing in that exact moment and soak it all in.”

What are the things on your personal bucket list?

“As random as it sounds, I really want to be a part of “The Nutcracker” some year. If that means that I have a role that lasts 10 seconds, then so be it! I’ve absolutely loved “The Nutcracker” since I was young, and the holiday spirit that comes with it.”

Who or what is your biggest inspiration(s) in why you do gymnastics? Please explain.

“My parents are my biggest inspirations. Both my mother and father were college athletes, so it was very important for me to carry on that tradition. They have also showed me that college athletics really teaches you time management as well as the payoff of hard work.”

What do you love most about gymnastics?

“One thing I love about gymnastics is that is gives me the ability to do what most people can’t do, and that is throw my body in the air and flip around, of course. This sport also has introduced me to lifelong friends that I have an amazing bond with.”

Who were your favorite gymnasts growing up? Please explain why.

“My favorite gymnast growing up was Gabby Douglas. As a young kid, it was always awesome to watch a black gymnast dominate the sport and go on to win gold in the Olympics.”

Can you talk about some of the experiences that have been opened up to you through gymnastics and how they have changed your life?

“Injury is one of the biggest things that has changed my life and taught me so much while battling through them. Through my gymnastic career, I have dealt with two surgeries, and during those times, I realized that all it takes is hard work and dedication to get back to where you left off.”