Jan. 24, 2013
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Freshman Morgan Fairman placed 11th in the all-around at the 2011 Level 10 Region IV Championship. In 2010, the Cedar Falls, Iowa native earned second in the all-around and was crowned the uneven bars champion at the Level 9 Western National Championship.
What is your first gymnastics memory?
“Going to practice with my sister. I thought that it was the coolest thing to do gymnastics with my big sister.”
When did you fall in love with gymnastics?
“I knew I first loved gymnastics when I had to repeat level 4. I was really bummed at first, but competing level 4 again was amazing. I finally knew the feeling of winning and just loving what I did. From then on, I couldn’t stop doing gymnastics.”
Do you have any nicknames?
“Some people call me Morgs or Morgy, but mostly it’s just Morgan.”
What is your most memorable gymnastics moment?
“During my sophomore year of high school, I qualified to the Level 9 Western National Championship. I overcame two broken elbows and two surgeries, so it was a huge accomplishment to make it that far. I was in the zone the entire meet. I trained so hard, and I wasn’t going to let anything get in my way. This competition was in Des Moines, which is where all my family lives and where I was born, and they all came to support me. I was last up out of everyone to compete on my favorite event: the bars. I stuck my dismount and heard all my supporters roar. I finished the meet placing second in the all-around and was crowned the bar champion.”
What is your favorite TV show?
“Definitely Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. I grew up watching every season with my family. We are all obsessed with the show. One Christmas, my mom bought my siblings and me Law and Order jackets, key chains and coffee mugs. It was kind of a joke, but not really.”
Where is one place you would like to visit?
“I want to visit New York, go shopping and see all of the Law and Order scenes.”
What is your favorite movie?
“Anchorman, because I love Will Ferrell’s acting. I think it’s hilarious, and I could probably quote every single line. Another favorite of mine is Elf.“
Who is a movie character can you relate to?
“Matilda. I’ve always been really independent since I was young. I started climbing the cabinets, getting my own bowl of cereal and painting my nails since I was about three years old.”
What is your favorite restaurant?
“I’m not a big seafood person, but I love Red Lobster. I don’t like fish really any other time, but their lobster and popcorn shrimp is really delicious.”
Who is your favorite musician?
“I could listen to Christina Aguilera for days. She has such a soulful voice. I always think her songs are so inspirational, too.”
What is one thing that you can’t live without?
“Nail polish. I love painting nails for my friends and family. It’s really fun to do all different kinds of designs. I paint my nails at least three times a week.”
What is your favorite type of music?
“I love country music, mostly because it reminds me of being out on the boat with my family and friends in the summer. Those are my favorite memories, and country music is just so true to me.”
What has college taught you so far?
“To put your mind to something and accomplish it. I learned to not stand around and wait for people to do things for you. Instead, be the one getting it done.”
What are your goals for this season?
“I would like to contribute to the team in any way possible and be a productive team member. To me, that means being a good influence and encouraging everyone to work their hardest. That way, we can all reach our full potential.”