Brooks, Sooners Eye Seventh National Title

Chris Brooks | Freshman | M Gymnastics

NORMAN, Okla. -- Freshman gymnast Chris Brooks has made quite a name for himself. Brooks spent four years on the Junior National team and won events at the 2003 U.S. Championships and Junior Nationals. The Houston native chose to continue his success at Oklahoma.

Oklahoma, the defending men's gymnastics national champions, begins its season with the 2005 red-white intrasquad competition Saturday at 2 p.m.

The event, which is free of charge and open to the public, will be held at the Sam Viersen Gymnastics Center located on Imhoff St. just north of Lloyd Noble Center.

Chris Brooks Bio | Oklahoma Men's Gymnastics | 2006 Schedule

When did you get involved in gymnastics?
I was about five years old. My dad did gymnastics in high school so he started teaching me stuff around the house. By the time I turned six, my parents sent me to classes where I started.

What made you choose the University of Oklahoma?
They have a really good gymnastics program. I know a lot of guys on the team and it's close to home OU also has good academics. It had everything I needed.

What are your goals during your time at OU?
To help the team win a national championship and pursue my career as a senior gymnast.

What has been your favorite part of becoming a member of the Sooner program?
The team atmosphere. I had a team back home but not as high level as everyone here. We push each other a lot. It's really good.

What was your most embarrassing moment in gymnastics?
I was in class four and I was going to do the vault. I tripped over myself and instead of doing a vault I just a tuck front over it. It was terrible. I was judged on it and definitely got a two or something.

How has being a part of the Junior National team shaped the kind of gymnast you are now?
It's given me opportunities to compete nationally, so I think it helps me deal with pressure. We had camps and they trained us pretty hard so I was ready for this and I knew what I was getting into. But it's a lot harder training at OU than it was back in clubs so the national team helped.

How have your older teammates helped you transition into college gymnastics?
They've made me feel really at home. Sometimes when I'm missing home it can be really overwhelming. They are always there and giving advice because they've been there too.

What has been the most rewarding part of dedicating so much of yourself to this sport?
It has really helped me with everything. It keeps me motivated and focused, which has helped me with my schoolwork.

What is your favorite event to compete in at meets?
Floor. I like it a lot because its where I feel most confident and it's the most fun of the other events.

Who do you consider your role model or example that you follow?
Since I've gotten here, I've really looked up to our captain, Jamie Henderson. When we're having bad days, he really helps me push myself and get to that next level.

What do you like to do when you're not at practice?
I've picked up a hobby-- I like cars. I race cars back home. I go out to the drag strip we have out in Houston. I used to race a lot in the summers.

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Sooner Feature by Katie Moon
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