Student Achiever: ‘My mantra is to bring balance and flexibility to the fore perfectly’

This acrobat loves to levitate like there is no tomorrow. Meet Advika Ajay Patil student of class VI at Apeejay School, Kharghar. In a candid interview, she proudly shares about the medals she has won so far and how Simon Biles is her go-to person in times of improvement.

Read edited excerpts here.

Share your recent achievements.

⁠I have been training for gymnastics since August 2022 and participated in various competitions where I’ve achieved three Gold, two Silver, and a Bronze medal. I participated in CBSE Nationals 2023-24 and got selected for the CBSE Nationals 2024-25, State Championship, Zonal Level and also for Gymnastics Federation of India.

 What does your training regime look like?

My training regime includes two hours of practice four times every week where each apparatus can be practiced on each day. I have my practice on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and the rest of the days are off for ample rest.

Tell us about artistic gymnastics.

Artistic gymnastics is a discipline that combines strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. There are various apparatus including the floor, vault, parallel bars, and balance beam. Artistic gymnastics is not only physically demanding but also requires mental focus and discipline.

How did you pick interest in this craft?

My mom is a fitness freak and she was always engaged in some or the other activities, specifically Zumba and I also wanted to join her. That’s when my mom decided to introduce me to gymnastics where I decided to pick artistic gymnastics as I always liked jumping around. This turned out to be my passion eventually.

How did Apeejay support you in pursuing this craft?

⁠Apeejay has always encouraged and motivated me to participate in more and more competitions where I had to represent myself and my school. This gave me immense confidence and courage to improve my performance and skills.

Who is your inspiration and why?

My constant source of inspiration is Dipa Karmarkar and Simone Biles because of the grace and flexibility they present in every performance they give. And both of them share the same apparatus as me so watching them also guides me in correcting my performance in a better manner.

Do you want to pursue this sport professionally in future?

⁠I have always thought of pursuing gymnastics as my profession in the future similar to Simone Biles. I dream to pursue this and make my country proud in the Olympics someday