Felicia Hano is an upcoming gymnast from West Coast Elite Gymnastics (WCEG) in California. In 2009, Felicia pulled double duty, competing in both artistic gymnastics and TnT. She qualified for the USA Team (TnT) at the World Age Group Game Championships in Russia and won two silver medals. In 2010, she won the floor exercise title at the Level 9 State Championships.





GS: Was it hard to do both gymnastics and TnT at the same time in 2009?
FH: Practicing both artistic and TnT at the same time was difficult sometimes because when I was training TnT I was training by myself. In the end it was worth it.

GS: Are you still involved in TnT?
FH: ... I tell people I'm on sabbatical, but I'm focusing on artistic gymnastics right now.

GS: What was it like to win two silver medals at the 2009 World Age Group in Russia?
FH: It was awesome!! Winning two medals was very humbling and standing on the podium I felt proud to represent the United States. Watching the US flag being raised in the arena, I felt like I had accomplished my goal. Both of my medals mean a lot to me, but I think I'm most proud of my Silver medal in Tumbling. I just wasn't expecting to place in the top three.

GS: What was your favorite memory when you were in Russia? Was it your first time traveling out of the country?
FH: It was my first time traveling overseas and needing a passport. My favorite memories of being in Russia are winning two medals, competing in the same arena used for the Olympics in St. Petersburg, going to the market across from our hotel and seeing chunky milk in a glass container and Russian Coco Puffs. Filling the tub up in our hotel and seeing that the water was kind of green. The food was pretty interesting, but hanging out with the Brits and Aussies was a lot of fun.

GS: What does your day looks like daily?
FH: I go to school every morning, but I'm on a modified schedule which allows me to go to gym at 12:30. After gym, I come home, do homework and my favorite part of the day is getting ready for the next day and going to sleep!

GS: Whom do you normally train with everyday? What are your coaches like?
FH: Our entire team trains together, from the Level 4's to the elites. My coaches are very patient and very supportive. They always give us productive feedback and I love my coaches very much.

GS: What do you hope to accomplish from the 2011 season?
FH: This season my goal is to be consistent and hit all of my routines.

GS: What is your favorite event and why?
FH: My favorite events are vault and floor. Vault because I love the feeling of flying through the air and on floor you can just express yourself in a way you can't on the other events, plus I love to tumble.

GS: Are you working on something interesting that you are hoping to debut at your upcoming competitions?
FH: I'm working on a couple of new things but I just want to surprise everyone when they're ready.

GS: What one thing is the most important to you and why?
FH: My family and friends mean the world to me. They are always there for me and are with me through thick and thin.