Name: Olivia Widtfeldt
Year: senior
Hometown: Clarendon Hills
When did you first start gymnastics?
I think I probably started doing the little mom and tot classes around 2 or 3. I started actually competing and doing more gymnastics in kindergarten or first grade.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
There's so much. Obviously I enjoy all my teammates, and that's always been one of the best parts of it. I've enjoyed that it forces you to work out and stay fit and just have fun. It's definitely allowed me to meet a lot of people that I wouldn't have met otherwise.
How did COVID-19 affected competitions?
I think everyone had to take a break for a little bit. Being a little older, I found it harder coming back this time. I got (COVID-19) at one point, so our whole team had to quarantine. We were glad to be able to fit in our meets and do some rescheduling. I think everyone has had to be more flexible and adapt to the challenges. We're all super appreciative of our coaches and that we even got to have a season this year.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or routines?
I like to visualize all my routines a lot. I'll close my eyes and I move my head a lot when I do it. I know it looks goofy. I use a lot of chalk. That's kind of a superstition for me.
What was the highlight of the season?
Our senior night was Wednesday (March 10). It was fun to still be able to have something. It was nice to have a couple of spectators there. That was a good meet for us all.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I really enjoy cooking with my dad. Lately we've been into making homemade pasta, which is delicious.
What are your plans for next year?
I'm going to go to Baylor in Waco. I'm going to major in biology, so kind of go on that pre-med track. I'm very excited.
Why does coach Kim Estoque like having Widtfeldt on the team?
This is her second year on the team and she really wants to do well and is always cheering everybody else on as well. She's just excited for her senior year to do well.
- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
