MARSHALL – Mikayla Chesley started competing in gymnastics when she was in seventh grade. A big reason why she decided to join the Marshall gymnastics team was her relationship with her sister.

“When I first joined my sister was in it and so I wanted to be with her and try something new,” Chesley said. “I was also in figure skating at the time. I like twirling and jumping around and thought I’d give gymnastics a try. My sister inspired me to join because she enjoyed it and I thought it be fun to spend time with her.”

Another factor that led Chesley to start competing in gymnastics was her background in figure skating. Chesley started competing in figure skating when she was in third grade. With figure skating season and gymnastics season starting at the same time Chesley faced a difficult decision.

“I had to choose between figure skating and gymnastics, because they were at the same time,” Chesley said. “I chose gymnastics and it’s become a passion of mine.”

Chesley felt that there were more opportunities for her in gymnastics.

“When I decided to be done with figure skating it was more or less because I had a lot of fun with gymnastics and made a lot of new friends. I just don’t think I was getting in enough practice with figure skating. With gymnastics you can get in more practice with private lessons or you can go to camps. With ice skating that’s not always the case, unless you want to pay a tremendous amount of money. I’m happy I chose gymnastics, because I think I’m a pretty good gymnasts. I think I have more opportunities with gymnastics than I would have had in figure skating.”

As Chesley prepares for the start of her junior year at Marshall High School she’s hoping to become more of a leader for the gymnastics team.

“I’m hoping to be captain of the team this year,” Chesley said. “I’m working on some new skills. I was working on some skills last year, but I didn’t get them quite perfected. I’m hoping this year I can perfect those skills. I’m hoping that myself and some other older girls on the team can bring the team together and bond. I don’t think we had that connection last year.”

When gymnastics season is over Chesley turns her attention to track. Chesley competes in the 100 meter hurdles and is a member of two relay teams. She also competes in the high jump.

“I’m really hoping to make the finals in the section tournament this year,” Chesley said. “The past two years I missed them. I’ve been close and hoping that this year I can make the finals.”