Today we’d like to introduce you to Saniyah Stedman.
Hi Saniyah , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Saniyah started gymnastics at 3 years old.
Her dad saw that she had good air awareness, loved jumping, being upside down, was very brave and would try pretty much anything. With that he kept encouraging me to sign her up.
So one day in Jan of 2020, she walked into her first recreational gymnastics class and she was absolutely hooked. One thing she quickly noticed was she was very strong and could listen well but her flexibility was not good or at least not good for a gymnast. During the Covid – lock down she started doing videos on her own to learn cartwheels and stretch so she could get more flexible. Saniyah committed herself to daily practice, daily stretching, while keeping her short term goals on the horizon.
Now at 8 years old in only 4 short years she will compete for WOGA Gymnastics level 7 when the season starts in January, while keeping her long term goal of being an elite gymnast in her overall visions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest hurdle was Saniyah didn’t have the flexibility that most coaches would love in gymnastics. She spent about 2 years figuring out, and working on her flexibility in order to get prepared for these bigger skills. There were some very hard days, some tears too but she’s always fought through it and come back stronger.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Saniyah specializes in USAG artistic gymnastics.
What sets her apart is her artistic showmanship, her drive to achieve her goals on her own, while following a plan that she creates.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Saniyah – has followed Shelby McNamara (Flexibilities) online portal for the past 3 years now. She religiously stretches with her program 4-5x a week.
She has positive affirmations that she speaks to herself daily to keep her mind positive and before competitions, and works with mental health coach Emily Williams of Champion Mindset Consulting to control stressors with learning new skills and to harness calmness for competing.
Quote
Given to her by her preschool teachers to guide her through her life. She says it daily.
I am fearless. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1 7.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saniyahbeflyin/profilecard/?igsh=MTlqb3M3bDZlZGtlcg==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@saniyahbeflyin841?si=zdA7cHoNlE-QpG0m
Image Credits
LSU – high performance camp photos..
