We had the good fortune of connecting with Maddox Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maddox, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
The biggest goal a gymnast could have is to compete at the Olympics, and that’s definitely on my list! I’d also love to be a college gymnast one day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’m about half way through my competition season right now. I’ve been working so hard in the gym since last season, and I’m so proud that I’ve been able to level up and compete at level 4 this year. I just turned seven over the summer, so I am the youngest gymnast on my team, and it’s been amazing to compete next to so many other gymnasts I look up to.

I don’t think a lot of people realize the amount of time and dedication gymnastics takes. I’ve worked so hard to get where I am now and I have so much farther to go. Olympians make it look so easy, but gymnastics is a really tough sport. It’s hard on your body and your mind. I have struggled with getting certain skills and faced mental blocks that scared me and kept me from being my best. In those situations, my mindset is everything. I have to believe in myself and push past my fears. If I haven’t reached my goal yet, then I want to know I at least did my absolute best. I truly believe that if I’m willing to put in the work, I can reach any goal I set for myself. I’ve done it before, so I know I can do it again.

If there’s one piece of advice I regularly give to other gymnasts, it’s to believe in yourself. We all face challenges in sports and in life. In those times, use all the feedback, love, and support from coaches, family, and everyone supporting you to push through the challenges and succeed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite spots in Fort Worth is Press Cafe. I love to grab brunch there with my dad. We like to sit outside and eat waffles while we watch people walk on the trail and play with their dogs. They also have a big field that I can do gymnastics in while I wait for my food. It’s such a fun place with so much to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a shoutout to my coaches at Texas Dreams—Coach Akko and Coach Jason. They constantly push me, encourage me, and help me to be a better gymnast every day.

I also have to recognize my family. They have always been so supportive of my gymnastics. My parents drive two hours four days a week for me to train at my gym plus private lessons and meets. They sacrifice so much so I can practice, compete, and do what I love. They’re my biggest supporters and cheerleaders, and I don’t know what I’d do without them!

Instagram: madmaddox.parker

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/madmaddox.parker

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