Killpatrick named top Aggie
Utah Statesman: Who is your favorite Olympic gymnast and why?
Nicole Kilpatrick: I like Dominique Dawes. I was in the same region as her when I was growing up, so we got to compete together and I got to know her.
US: What do you think of male gymnastics?
NK: It’s different. The rules are a lot harder in male gymnastics. It’s fun to watch. They have unique skills. They are a lot more dynamic. They usually do harder and bigger skills. They have six events instead of four. It’s more about strength instead of elegance.
US: What is your goal for gymnastics next season?
NK: My goal is to make it to NCAA Nationals along with the team.
US: What is your favorite event and why?
NK: Floor exercise. I just like to tumble a lot. It’s always been my favorite since I was little. I just like to perform to the crowd.
US: What is your least favorite event and why?
NK: I don’t know one. I like them all pretty much the same.
US: Your sister was a gymnast at Utah State, did she encourage you to come here?
NK: Her name was Melissa and she was here for two years. She was on full scholarship. She is back home coaching in New Jersey now. It wasn’t the main reason I came out here. I really liked the coaches and the atmosphere and the kids on the team. That is why I came.
US: Do you hang out with athletes from other sports?
NK: Yes, we hang out with athletes from different sports. It’s fun. A lot of them aren’t from here so it’s kind of a diversity kind of thing.
US: Why do you think it has been a rollercoaster season?
NK: We’re doing a lot of harder skills than we’ve done. The skills we are performing compared to other schools are a lot more unique. At the beginning of the year there were a lot of inconsistencies with them. Everything is going really well for us now. Our confidence is there. We all have the same mindset now. We are going to go out there and do the best we can do.
US: What is the last thing you do before you go to bed at night?
NK: I usually do homework.
US: What is something you do that drives your friends nuts?
NK: I would say I have a hard time making decisions.