Sophomore Ariel Glucklich, a gymnast, won the title of New York State Vault Champion in 2020. She began gymnastics at the age of two and claims she was motivated to begin gymnastics because her cousin, whom she greatly admired, was an avid gymnast. Since then, Glucklich has made it her priority to practice and improve her skill as she is currently a level nine gymnast.

Originally, Glucklich started her journey at Bounce Gymnastics and had spent six years moving from gym to gym until she found one that best fit her. “After years of moving gyms, I finally found my current gym which was able to bring me to the level I desired to be at,” said Glucklich.

For the past three years, Glucklich competed with the Infiniti Elite team in Syosset.  

As a student athlete, however, she must balance her sport with schoolwork.

“I study during any down time I have at the gym,” she said. She also explains the difficulties she faces when having to prepare for a meet in a certain amount of time. In order to conquer this difficulty, Glucklich attempts to train every day.

The greatest difficulty Glucklich faced was when she tore a ligament in her foot, taking her out of the gym for two months. She also explains how the obstacles she faces in gymnastics help her in the real world.

“Gymnastics has made me very determined to tackle goals because I know how hard I need to work for things.”

In addition to gaining many skills through gymnastics, Glucklich has also gained strong relationships that she will maintain throughout her life. “The relationships I’ve built in the gym in a week are stronger than relationships I’ve built in years,” she said. Glucklich is also very thankful for her coaches, who she views as parental figures.

Concerning her future goals, Glucklich is set on earning a scholarship through gymnastics as well as reaching level ten.

“If you face obstacles, keep fighting through them.  Also, don’t give up if it’s too hard, it gets easier as you put in more effort,” said Glucklich.

With a bright future ahead of her, Glucklich plans to continue gymnastics throughout college and beyond.