This week, the Clarion sat down with gymnast Claire Hammen. 

Q: What events do you do?

A: I train all four events and I have been consistently competing beam and floor.

Q: Which event do you prefer?

A: I like competing beam more, but I like training floor more. I like competing beam because it is a huge rush and it’s fun, I guess. With floor, I get to play a little bit.

Q: When did you start gymnastics?

A: I started gymnastics at two. I’ve always loved competing, learning new skills and having fun with the sport.

Q: What was it like training before college?

A: In high school, I was home schooled so I could train twice a day. I worked out 30 hours a week. It was very intense. I definitely love college gymnastics more.

Q: How did you end up coming to DU?

A: I chose DU because of the academics and being close to home. The coaches and the team were a very good fit. Our coach is very focused on character, teamwork and excellence and those values fit with what I wanted in a team.

Q: At the first home meet, there were a ton of fans. Has there been an increase in the fan base for your sport? Does that help you while competing?

A: I think it has been an increase this season. We are also higher ranked this season and it’s supposed to be a great one. The bigger the crowd, the more adrenaline we have and it helps us get pumped up.

Q: What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

A: My main goal was just to consistently compete, which I am doing. I want to continually progress and increase my highs, and I have been doing that, too.

Q: Is there anything you do before meets to get yourself pumped up and ready to go?

A: We listen to music in the locker room as a team as we are getting ready. The loud music gets us pumped and just being in the arena ready to go.