Athlete of the Month
Jackson Payne
-- Wynterdollie --
Gymnastics is a sport admired from across the globe. The flexibility, strength, coordination, timing and so many other amazing feats that come from these athletes shows an amazing amount of time invested in training. In today’s time, a lot of aerial artists took interest in gymnastics that started off their journey into the aerial arts world. However, many gymnasts have trained since as young as 5 years old for the sole purpose to compete and the results are out of this world. Jackson Payne is our prime example and our Athlete of the Month of February.
WD: Hey Jackson thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy training schedule to be a part of the Edmonton Muse! So tell us a little about yourself, what got you to start with gymnastics?
JP: I got started in gymnastics around the age of 6 years old. My older sister, Jennie, was in gymnastics and my mom always brought me to the gym with her to pick her up or drop her off. I used to play on the mats while waiting and one of the coaches there said to my mom, “you should put Jackson in a class”. So my mom did and the rest is history, haha
WD: How long have you been competing?
JP: I have been competing internationally since 2004, age 12 and I competed on the senior national team since 2008.
WD: What is one of the most challenging things you face when it comes to training?
JP: One of the most challenging things that I have to face is the act of being consistent and healthy as possible. Training hard and smart everyday. Gymnastics don’t get to compete as much as say a hockey or basketball player gets to play games. So we need to make sure we are healthy and consistent enough to give it our best at every competition we are at.
WD: Fascinating. You guys are healthy year round! So from a nutritional standpoint, do you follow any specific meal plan?
JP: I do not have a specific meal plan, however, I have consulted with my dieticians and nutritionists about what are the best foods for me to eat during, before and after training and competitions. In gymnastics it is important to eat well so that your body weight stays very constant. I do eat well and watch that I don’t eat unhealthy foods but I do not have a very specific meal plan.