GoPSUSports.com caught up with freshman Derek Helsby and this is what the Agoura Hill, California, native had to say:
Q: What do you do to stay calm and focused at critical times?
A: At critical times I try to shut out all the pressure. I focus for a moment and remember the hundreds of times I have done what I¡¯m about to do in workout, and this gives me the confidence and energy I need to pull through.
Q: Why did you choose to attend this university?
A: I loved the campus, the school, and every aspect of Penn State. I felt that by attending here I could become the best person in all parts of my life. Penn State has both an amazing Gymnastics team and outstanding academics.
Q: What are some of the things that you wanted to accomplish before your college career is over?
A: Before my college career is over, I¡¯d like to see another NCAA championship for Penn State Gymnastics, as well as being Big Ten Champions once again. On a more personal level, I¡¯d like to win an individual event gold at NCAA¡¯s. On a more scholastic level, I want to be an Academic All American with a respectable GPA upon graduation.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges that you¡¯ve had to overcome?
A: Undoubtedly the biggest challenges that I¡¯ve overcome have been the numerous injuries I¡¯ve encountered. Throughout my career I¡¯ve had knee surgery, two fractured bones, a back defect, a few other bothersome sprains, and in the past eight months another knee surgery, partial tear of the tendon in my other knee, and a fractured back. It¡¯s difficult being injured because, besides the pain, you see your competition improving and know that at the moment the only thing you can do is wait.
Q: As a kid what athlete or role model did you look up to and why?
A: As a kid I always looked up to Bart Conner. He went to the 1984 Olympics where USA won the team Gold medal, and Conner won the gold on the Parallel Bars. But even more amazingly was all this was shortly after his comeback from a torn bicep. His hard work and perseverance are something to strive for. Then a couple years back at USA Championships I had the chance to meet him and his wife Nadia Comaneci. It was both amazing and inspiring meeting my child role model and these two gymnastics legends.
Q: How did you first get involved with your sport and why?
A: How I first became involved with gymnastics is kind of funny. When I was about two years old I took swimming lessons since we lived in Florida, and I did not like it at all. As a scared little kid, I¡¯d grab onto my instructor to try and avoid being dunked in the water. My instructor felt an abnormal amount of strength for a little two year old and told my parents they should enroll me in gymnastics. They did not wait too long after, and I¡¯ve loved it and have been doing it ever since.
Q: What is your favorite moment during a competition and why?
A: There are two moments during a competition I enjoy the most: after hitting a routine, and the time period following the conclusion of the final event. The feeling after hitting a needed routine, and realizing you pulled through for your team is phenomenal. Also, I think back on the hundreds and hundreds of repetitions in the gym for that one moment, and realize that it all was worth it. Then just after the competition, before awards, while I¡¯m walking around thinking about how all the work in the gym paid off and my goals for that competition have been attained.
Q: What are some of the difficulties in competing in your sport at a high level that the average fan may not be aware of?
A: I don¡¯t think that the average fan has a complete awareness of the amount of commitment and perseverance it takes to master the skills and routines seen at competition. We have to condition every day to keep our body healthy and uninjured to be able to train these skills. The average fan only sees the end product at a competition and is most likely not aware of the literally thousands of numbers done behind the scenes at practice.
Q: How much do you rely on your teammates both during competition and in your life?
A: The best way I can describe my team is like a family. We spend an enormous amount of time with each other every day enduring the same extreme training which brings us close together. We all have the same goals ultimately, hit routines and win, and in competition we come together to prevail over our competition. In my life, my teammates are always there when I need them. They are my friends that help me with whatever I need, and they help me in becoming a better person.
Q: What are some of your other favorite sports?
A: Another sport I enjoy is snowboarding. Although it is only on rare occasion that I actually get to, I think it¡¯s fun to do when I can get a chance.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: At the moment I am completely oblivious to what I would like to do after I graduate. From what I¡¯ve learned, I believe life can change too much too fast to be able to make plans four year in the future. I plan now to keep up my gymnastics and grades so that when I graduate I will have a variety of options and open doors.
Q: What do you do to kick back and unwind after a tough competition?
A: After a competition, I enjoy basically doing nothing. I like to go out to dinner, get a good meal, and afterwards hang out with my friends and relax.
Q: What is the biggest thing you have learned during competition that will aid you in other areas of your life?
A: Gymnastics has taught me a lot about goal setting, self-discipline, perseverance, commitment and attitude. These values that I have learned and developed throughout my career in gymnastics will aid me in nearly any part of life.
