Meet the Cyclone Gymnasts: Riley Walsh

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State freshman gymnast Riley Walsh has faced significant challenges on her journey to a collegiate career. Despite injuries that would make some quit the sport altogether, the Highlands Ranch, Colorado native has worked hard and kept a positive attitude throughout any challenges. Now that she's injury-free, Walsh is excited to begin competing for the Cyclones in 2017.

Walsh had a pretty typical start to her gymnastics career. She began practicing when she was four, following in her sister's footsteps. Her family supported her throughout her competitive caree,r and she looked up to Olympians just like many other little girls. The challenges she faced later on, however, weren't quite so typical.

"I've had five knee surgeries in the last three years," the freshman explained. "You have to take it one day at a time and not think too much about it. A lot of people have supported me on my comeback. I went to physical therapy all the time. It was hard, but now that I'm here it's nice that I don't have any more knee issues."

Despite the difficulties she's faced with her knee injuries, the freshman managed to earn several honors throughout her club career. Walsh has competed as a Level 10 gymnast since 2012 at the Colorado Gymnastics Institute in Aurora, Colorado. In her very first season as a Level 10 gymnast she earned top-10 finishes in every event at the Colorado State Championships. She placed fifth on beam, tied for fifth on vault, placed seventh on bars, tied for eighth in the all-around and finished 10th on floor. She continued her success at the Colorado State Championships in 2013, earning the state title on floor, placing fourth on beam and vault, fifth on bars, and third in the all-around.

When asked about Iowa State, Walsh admitted her favorite part of the gymnastics program is the team, and that she's looking forward to competing to contribute to tea goals.

"I'm excited to be a part of a team that's for the school," Walsh said. "In club gymnastics you're not a part of the school, and athletics here at Iowa State is such a huge deal. I'm really looking forward to being a part of that, and competing in Hilton Coliseum."

It's a good thing there's a McDonald's not too far from campus, as Walsh revealed that her pre-meet ritual includes a parfait from the chain and listening to music. She's practiced this routine for preparation since she began competing in gymnastics. Now that she's reached the collegiate level, her goals remain simple.

"I would say just being able to compete in any event is one of my main goals, since I've had so many setbacks," Walsh admits. "That would be a dream come true."

Walsh will get the opportunity to compete for the first time at the "Beauty and the Beast" meet on Jan. 6 against Arizona State.