Up and Away

Victoria Meuret, sophomore, overcomes injury to succeed in gymnastics

When the 3 o’clock bell rings, the day is just getting started for Victoria Meuret. After school, her next destination is the gym. This has become a second home, a place where she spends a grueling five hours a day, six days a week. For the last ten years, Victoria has devoted her life to gymnastics.

Victoria’s career has come with its doubts and challenges. During her eighth grade year, gymnastics nearly came to a close for Victoria. Both of her knees’ were unable to stay in place, and as a result, Victoria had two knee transplants. After surgery, Victoria had to take a year-long break from the sport. No one knew whether she would be able to return to competitive gymnastics.

However, nothing could stop Victoria from chasing her dreams. After her recovery, she chose to not attend Westminster and instead be homeschooled her freshman year. This allowed Victoria to practice more often and intensely to regain crucial skills she had lost during her time off.

Following a year of vigorous training, Victoria was stronger than ever. She had an incredible season competing at State, Regionals, and Nationals. At the State meet, Victoria was the all-around champion. This person has the highest average score among the four events: vault, bars, beam, and floor. Regionals was held in Green Bay, Wisconsin and Nationals in Spokane, Washington. In each of these meets, both Victoria and her team received exemplary scores.

“I was very proud of my performance on floor at Nationals. Normally, it is not my strongest event, but I did very good and placed first in my region,” said Victoria.

Sophomore year, Victoria returned to Westminster confident that she could balance school and gymnastics.

“Responsibility and time management are necessary, due to my schedule,” said Victoria.

As for the future, Victoria continues to train at level 10, which is the highest possible level, at Team Central Gymnastics Academy in Maryland Heights. Her goal for this upcoming meet season is to once again qualify for Regionals and then Nationals. Victoria hopes to be the National Champion in one or more events. A strong performance would undoubtedly increase her visibility among college recruiters.

“I am working toward a gymnastics college scholarship, hopefully to Nebraska,” said Victoria.