Anyone who is devoted to their art understands the feeling of pride that comes with being first place in a national competition. Often willing to sacrifice anything and everything for it. Well one freshman finally made it.

As a freshman in high school, Adriano manages to attend her gymnastics practice four days a week for four hours each day. “I do my homework at STEP,” Adriano said.  “If I don’t finish all my assignments, I finish it after practice at 8:30.”

There are ten levels within Adriano’s age group at the Dobre Gymnastics Academy in Gaithersburg.  Adriano is ranked at level nine. Adriano placed first in the Eastern National Championship earlier this month, and placed first in floor exercise at level 9 (S1) at the 2016 Eastern Regional Championship.

Adriano has demonstrated amazing floor skills, reached many of her goals, and set records, all while in school. Adriano’s father was a gymnast as well, so gymnastics have been part of her life, from watching the Olympics with her father, to becoming a gymnast herself at age six.

“I haven’t [thought] about quitting or giving up yet,” Adriano said.  “I enjoy it and [I am] planning to go through college [showing] what I am capable of.” 

Adriano’s favorite part of gymnastics is learning and practicing new skills when she attends her daily practices.  On the other hand training while being injured is not an option. “I don’t like [being injured] at all,” Adriano said.

Because her heart is set on gymnastics, she sometimes allows her dad to coach her at home during her spare time, and he teaches her different styles within gymnastics.

Adriano hopes to someday compete in the Olympics, however, for now she will continue practicing and getting better every day.

For aspiring gymnasts, Adriano advises to “just try your best and keep moving forward.”  She stresses that it’s a lot of hard work, but “In gymnastics, you fall a lot.  But every time you fall, it makes you more confident and better able to later get it right.”