Skilled Tulsa Gymnast Sets Sights On International Competition

Being an elite gymnast is something that takes a lot of practice, discipline and skill.

One Tulsa gymnast has been perfecting his craft since he was four years old and now, he's representing the United States hopefully at an international scale at this year’s Pan Am games.

"Gymnastics is like a combination of beauty and difficulty so you are trying to be as pretty and as elegant as possible why doing the most difficult things you can," said gymnast Ignacio Yockers.

When Yockers was just four years old, a family member made a suggestion that changed his life.

"I remember my aunt, she had to babysit me one day and she would get mad that I would be running around everywhere and rolling around and she was like, ‘why don't you have him do gymnastics,’" said Yockers.

Yockers has been thriving ever sense. He is a member of the Junior National Team and a Pommel Horse National Champion along with several other honors.

"When I first started, I didn't know I didn't know how far you could even go. I thought gymnastics you go have fun, play in the pit, you jump on the trampoline, so I had no idea I would come this far," said Yockers.

Yockers’ goal is to be a household name in the sport of gymnastics. Already a 2021 all-around champion, he has a chance to compete in the Pan-Am games later this year. But he has even bigger goals in the back of his mind: the Olympics.

"Definitely in our region, Oklahoma is not known for gymnastics, it’s more like Texas. So that would be pretty cool, coming from this place that’s not really known to have people and go out and represent Oklahoma would be amazing,” Yockers said.

Getting to that level will take some time, but Yockers is up for the challenge.

"I'm already thinking about the routine for next year, so pretty much from then on and throughout the summer, I already know what I’m capable of and what I'm able to do next year," said Yockers.