Georgina Slack, an elite gymnast from Staffordshire, England, is preparing to take her talent across the Atlantic to Eastern Michigan. From falling in love with sparkly leotards and cartwheels to navigating devastating personal loss and mental blocks, Slack’s journey has been challenging and inspiring in equal measure. As she looks ahead to her NCAA career, she’s ready to embrace new challenges and support her teammates.

Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Club gym: Uttoxeter Gymnastics Club

College team: Eastern Michigan

Hometown: Staffordshire, England

How did you first fall in love with gymnastics?

I had tons of energy and loved cartwheeling around everywhere as a child. I was always eager to learn the next skill or progression, and I loved the challenge each session brought. Plus, sparkly leotards—so, duh!

What has been the highlight of your gymnastics career so far?

Qualifying for the British Championships for the first time at age 11 with my personal coach. Also, catching my Tkatchev for the first time!

What goals are you most excited about this season?

Sticking as many landings as possible and just competing at college in general!

Looking back on your journey so far, who has had the biggest impact on your gymnastics career?

My coach Steph, who has been with me since I was 10. She’s changed my life, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything she’s done and how she’s been there for me through everything I’ve gone through. She inspires me to give my all and really push myself whilst still learning to be patient and trust the process. Also, both of my parents for being there and supporting me.

As an international student, what first put college gymnastics on your radar? Was there a moment when you started to seriously consider it as part of your future?

Talking to a fellow British gymnast at a competition about her moving to the U.S. for college and all the opportunities it provided inspired me. When I got home, I talked to my parents and started watching college meets. It was a no-brainer—college gymnastics combines school and sport in a way that allows me to compete at a high level. At the time, I wasn’t sure I even wanted to go to university, but college gymnastics completely changed my mindset. It gave me a reason to pursue education alongside the sport I love.

Tell us about your recruitment experience. What drew you to Eastern Michigan?

I didn’t visit other schools, but I spoke to several coaches about their teams. I also attended a summer camp in Washington last year, which helped me connect with even more coaches. What stood out to me at EMU was the family atmosphere. Talking with head coach Katie Minasola and her assistant coaches, Sam and Lauren, on FaceTime and meeting Sam at camp gave me a great impression. On my visit, I watched the team during an intrasquad and saw how they all had the same mindset and were aiming to be the best they could be. I was also inspired by how driven and supportive they were of each other. The facilities and academic support at EMU really impressed me, too.

What’s one of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in gymnastics, and how has overcoming it shaped you as both an athlete and a person?

I’d probably say mental blocks. I’m taking A-levels in the UK and attending in-person school. Balancing this with training can be overwhelming, and when school gets intense, it affects my confidence with skills in the gym and makes them scarier to do. I’ve learned to listen to both my mind and body and to take some of the pressure off myself in both areas.

The other big challenge I’ve faced personally was losing my dad in February 2025, just days before a major competition. Competing afterward was very mentally hard, but I take a more balanced approach to training now, as I know he would want me to be as happy as I can be. I’ve realized you can work hard without sacrificing your happiness, and that mindset has helped me grow both as an athlete and a person. It’s helped me really enjoy spending time with my teammates and coaches.

Is there a personal achievement in your gymnastics career that you’re especially proud of?

Competing at the British Championships in the same arena I had watched with my dad three years previously—it was a real full-circle moment. Also, learning to love bars again after COVID. Bars were hard to train during lockdown, and I found the return quite challenging. However, I’ve regained my confidence and am enjoying it again. Plus, being a role model in my gym has been really special. I always looked up to others growing up, and I never thought I would be the person others looked up to; it means a lot to me.

What are you most excited about as you start college life?

Moving to a different country! I’m looking forward to the change in school system and the challenges that will bring. I’m also really looking forward to decorating my dorm room! On the gymnastics side, I’m looking forward to team meetings about goals and motivation and the overall team atmosphere. But in general, i’m just really looking forward to seeing where this new chapter takes me.