Alliana Schone, who will be a junior at Wright City this fall, has enjoyed a career that has gone from what was thought to be a potentially career-threatening injury to, later this month, what will be her second Junior Olympics gymnastics competition when she competes between July 29 and August 8 in Des Moines, Iowa.
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Gymnastics has taken Alliana Schone a long way.
Schone, who will be a junior at Wright City this fall, has enjoyed a career that has gone from what was thought to be a potentially career-threatening injury to, later this month, what will be her second Junior Olympics gymnastics competition when she competes between July 29 and August 8 in Des Moines, Iowa.
The effort will come on the heels of Schone taking first place at AAU Nationals earlier this summer in Knoxville, Tennessee, with an all-around 37.575 to win the Platinum 3 division.
“Taking first place at my biggest competition of the year, AAU Nationals, feels incredible,” Schone said. “Winning a national title has always been one of my biggest dreams. In previous years, I placed near the top but never in first. Although not reaching that goal was discouraging at times, it motivated me to work even harder, push myself further, and stay determined. Achieving first place this year made all of that hard work and dedication worth it.”
Schone’s dedication to her sport has gone far beyond perfecting her events; that commitment has shown as she’s worked hard just to compete in the sport she loves for AIM High Elite Gymnastics out of Troy.
An unexpected event, unrelated to competing, raised questions in Schone’s mind about her future. In 2022, a simple trip over a gymnastics mat set Schone back, both physically and mentally. In the end, however, she showed the grit to prevail.
“One of the biggest lessons gymnastics has taught me is the saying, ‘Whenever you fall, get right back up,’” Schone said. “That quote means so much to me because I tripped over a mat and injured my foot during a normal gymnastics practice. Even after I fell, I got back up and finished beam, vault and floor while in a great deal of pain. Later that week, I found out that my foot was broken.
“Hearing that news broke my heart,” she continued. “I was scared that I might never be able to compete again. The doctors put me in a boot for six weeks, but I never stopped showing up to the gym. I continued working on anything I was physically able to do because I wasn’t ready to give up on the sport I love.”
She said that her journey back to the gym and to finding success there was a team effort.
Schone said that finding her way back to competition was made easier by her parents, teammates and coaches, each for whom she is incredibly thankful.
“Throughout my recovery, my mom and dad supported me in every way possible, and I will always be grateful for everything they do for me,” Schone said. “My teammates were also there for me whenever I felt discouraged or stressed, always helping me stay positive and reminding me not to get stuck in my own head. My coaches believed in me every step of the way. Whenever they noticed I was struggling, they were quick to encourage me and help me improve. They have taught me so much over the years, not only about gymnastics but also about perseverance and believing in myself. Knowing that so many people believe in me and cheer me on has motivated me to keep working hard and never give up on my goals. I am truly grateful for everyone who has supported me throughout my gymnastics journey.”
Now back on top of her game, Schone said she’s ready to, once again, compete with the country’s best at the JO meet.
She’s ready to show the gymnastics community just how strong of a vaulter – her top event – she is. Coupled with the floor, beam and uneven bars, Schone is going to give it her all to represent her family, her gym and herself.
“My goal going into the Junior Olympics in Iowa is to perform to the best of my ability and show all the hard work I’ve put in throughout the season,” Schone said. “I’ve been training for this competition all year, and I want to stay focused and maintain a positive attitude from the beginning of the meet to the end. Another goal of mine is to come home with at least one medal. No matter the outcome, I want to leave the competition knowing I gave my best effort and enjoyed the experience.”
The ability to enjoy her competition hasn’t always been there for Schone.
As she has grown as a gymnast and as a person, she’s learned that giving her all is about dealing with the ups and downs of competition.
Most importantly, it’s about getting back up after you’ve been down, she said.
“Gymnastics makes me feel a way that no other sport ever could,” Schone said. “I’ve mentally struggled with the sport for most of the time I’ve been competing. I started competing when I was around seven years old, and ever since then, it has been just as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Despite the ups and downs, I truly love gymnastics and everything it has taught me. Seeing my hard work pay off and watching myself achieve goals I’ve worked so hard for makes every challenge worth it and motivates me to keep pushing forward.”
