Ansley Giesler, junior at Etowah High School, has been a gymnast for nearly 14 years. She is currently training for level nine as she moves into her ninth year of competitive gymnastics. 

Giesler started doing gymnastics when she was only two years old, and, originally, it was just to give her obstacles to climb on, but it turned out to be much more than that. Giesler started competing in third grade, and, more than ten years later, she continues to expand her skills, with more love for the sport than ever. 

“As a kid, I was always climbing on stuff around the house, so my parents decided to put me in gymnastics. When I started, I just never stopped, and I kind of fell in love with it,” Giesler said.  

Over the years, Giesler has seen the difficulty within the sport increase; however, it is not only the performance that gets harder, but there are also mental challenges to overcome that only increase with each year. It is all worth it, however, when Giesler finally achieves her goals and sees all her hard work pay off. 

“Unlike most sports, in gymnastics, you are competing on the equipment alone, so it is a lot easier to get nervous. Even though there is a lot of pressure, the adrenaline takes over, and there is a rush of excitement when you finish,” Giesler said. 

To Giesler, gymnastics is much more than a sport, it has played a vital role in making Giesler the person she is today. Giesler loves the sport for more than just the activity, she loves it for the qualities it provides her with as she continues her gymnastics journey. 

“I love the thrill that comes with the sport as well as the amazing feeling of accomplishment that comes when I finally hit my goals. It gives me many qualities that are great for life, as well,” Giesler said.  

Giesler has never let challenges weigh her down, even when it seems impossible. She welcomes the challenging parts of the sport and stays optimistic, no matter how hard it may seem. Giesler has acquired many skills across her years of competitive gymnastics, and she continues to grow even more as she continues her gymnastics career.