Two-time Eagle-Tribune All-Star gymnast Shilanna Gallo has rewritten the Central Catholic record books this winter. It has been especially pleasing because a back injury nearly kept her on the sidelines.
When not setting records, the senior from Windham gets top grades (she's in the National Honor Society) and likes to spend time with her three cats. Gallo took time out to go Around the Horn.
What's gotten into you, you've been on a real record spree? We just give everything we've got and it shows in our record (6-1). I couldn't be happier because I didn't even think I'd compete because of a back injury. I couldn't even do gymnastics in the summer. Right before the season started, I began going to a chiropractor, Dr. (Stephen) Shields in Hampstead, and felt improvement from the first appointment. He saved my gymnastics career for this year.
What has been the highlight of your season? I'd say beating the school records in every event: vault 9.55, beam 9.2 (tying Tori Catanzano), 9.6 on bars, 9.4 on floor and 37.4 all-around.
Shilanna is an interesting name. What's the background on it? Shil is Korean and I was adopted from Korea. My parents just wanted to keep part of my culture.
How old were you when you were adopted? Only two months. I'd like to visit some day when I get older.
Tell us about your huge cat. We adopted a cat last year and he's pretty big. Probably 20 pounds. His name is Gray Bob and he's a Maine Coon cat.
You are also a musician? I played piano from second grade until a couple years ago.
What's your specialty? Pachelbel's Canon
How are you doing in the classroom? I'm 44th out of 326 in my class. I'm in the National Honor Society.
Do you have any college plans? I'm hoping to do college gymnastics. I'm down to George Washington and Ithaca.
What's been the favorite moment of your athletic career? Going to Nationals in Tupelo, Miss., last year for USAG.
That's Elvis country, did you visit Graceland? Yes. I never thought I'd be going to Mississippi never mind Graceland.
What is your pet peeve? People trying to be something they are not.
Best advice you ever received? It's not over, until it's over. My mom always tells me that.
What is the most embarrassing song you have in your iPod? A bunch of old songs from Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears. Also songs from Andrea Bocelli (opera star).
When did you start in gymnastics? When I was 3. My parents (Rod and Bonnie) signed me up for something to do. I learned it more quickly than others.
How many Facebook friends do you have? 600 (617 to be exact)
What does somebody have to do to be defriended? Get on my nerves. It takes a lot. I've never had to do it.
You're 5-feet tall, give me a funny story about Carson Desrosiers (the 6-11 Central basketball star). Carson is from Windham so I just remember growing up through junior high and grade school and he was just so much taller than everyone. He was probably my height in first grade.
What's something people don't know about you? After undergrad I'm hoping to become a veterinarian. I've grown up with pets.
Time for favorites: song, group or singer, CD? Beautiful Day by U2, Coldplay, Coldplay's Viva la Vida
Favorite Web site not including Facebook, movie, actor, TV show? YouTube, "The Blind Side," Jennifer Anniston, "Make It or Break It."
Favorite food, athlete, car, course in school? Steak, Shawn Johnson (Olympic gymnastics gold medalist), Saab, AP Chemistry with Mr. Nikonchuk.
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