Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics

Elijah Gutierrez ’27 is working toward an Olympic dream while competing at the highest levels of gymnastics. 

He trains at Infinity Gymnastics Academy and has represented the United States in both national and international competitions, building an impressive resume for a high school athlete. 

Alongside a demanding practice schedule, Elijah balances his academics at Catholic Central as he continues to pursue NCAA gymnastics and a possible future on Team USA. 

In the Q&A below, he shares how he got started in the sport, what his training looks like, and what motivates his long-term goals.

Q: How did you first get involved in gymnastics, and what made you fall in love with the sport? 

A: My grandfather suggested I should do gymnastics way before I started the sport, and my parents decided to put me in around the age of 7. What drew me to the sport was the flipping in the air. It really caught my interest and attention, and I loved the feeling, so I kept pursuing it.

Q: Where do you currently train, and what does your training schedule look like during a typical week? 

A: I train at Infinity Gymnastics Academy. My training schedule is practice on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:30-8:30, and on Saturday from 8:30-12:30, with conditioning that alternates among arms, legs, and core. 

Q: What are some of the biggest competitions you’ve competed in, both locally and nationally? 

A: Some of the biggest competitions I have competed in locally were state championships. Nationally, I have competed for the U.S.A. Championships, which is a qualifier for the National Team. In addition, being able to compete in Canada to represent the USA. 

Q: What goals are you currently working toward in your career? 

A: I’m currently working on getting onto an NCAA team and being able to compete on the collegiate level. On top of that, making the National Team once more and competing on a bigger stage internationally. 

Q: What has been the most memorable moment of your gymnastics journey so far? 

A: Training and traveling with Region 5 to the Chezchia Republic to learn more about different techniques and cultures of other countries and gyms outside of the United States. 

Q: How do you balance gymnastics with school life at Catholic Central? 

A: I ask for help from my teachers, plus I think communication is a really key part in being organized and keeping up with my classes while I am traveling. I also try my hardest to finish as much as I can in school so that I don’t always have to worry about schoolwork when competing. 

Q: What would it mean to you to one day compete in the Olympics representing Team USA? 

A: It would mean that all of my hard work and effort would pay off. All of the countless hours, reps, and sacrifices pointed to that goal of the Olympic dream, and knowing everything done leading up to it was worth every second that I put in.