University of North Carolina Athletics
Gymnastics Spotlight of the Week: Claire Smith
February 14, 2007 | Women's Gymnastics
Feb. 14, 2007
1) How did you get started in gymnastics?
I started gymnastics classes at the age of three. My sister was about five and my mother had been a gymnast so she enrolled us both in gymnastics.
2) What is your favorite event? And why?
I like bars, mostly because it's so different from all the other events. It's a whole different kind of challenge.
3) Who do you idolize as a gymnast?
I grew up in the Kim Zmeskal era so she was my gymnastics hero. Since then, I look up to my teammates for inspiration.
4) What do you enjoy doing during your downtime?
I like to relax with my roommates. Usually we'll just watch TV or hang out, maybe go shopping.
5) What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduating, I am applying to graduate school to get my degree in Masters in Business Administration and Masters in Sports Management.
6) How do you prepare for your major competitions?
You always say to practice like you compete so in the gym while we are practicing, we just get in the mindset of, "this is the one routine I have to hit in the meet." So make each routine count, and then at the actual competition go through your routines mentally and then just know that you have practiced well and that you can do it.
7) Do you have any superstitions related to gymnastics and competition?
I used to have superstitions about who ties my bows or what socks I would wear. I still do have lucky socks that I wear.
8) What do you like most about being an athlete at UNC?
I like the fact that we are a part of something greater than ourselves. There is a whole tradition of being great with Carolina athletics and it's something bigger than yourself.
9) Do you have a favorite restaurant or place where you like to go in town?
I'm actually from Chapel Hill. My favorite restaurants around would probably be The Loop or Nantucket Café.
10) What are some of your individual and team goals for this gymnastics season?
As an individual, this is my last year because I am going to graduate in May, just to be strong, have strong competitions each time and to go out there and do my best. As a team, we definitely have the goal of going to nationals. We want to be the first team ever to make it to nationals.
