Senior Josef Volk’s dedication to gymnastics has led him to qualify for the Men’s Gymnastics Regionals. From national recognition to life lessons, Volk has gotten a lot out of this unique sport.

“Last year, I did not make it to finals, so that is what I am aiming for this year,” commented Volk.

This year’s Men’s Gymnastics Regionals will take place on April 6 in DesMoines, Iowa. Volk has also competed at Nationals. He was ranked 11th in the nation for vault last year.

“I compete in all six events. They are floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and highbar.”

Volk has gymnastic competitions from January to May. While most take place in the Midwest, some of the meets are in Arizona and Florida. To prepare for competitions, Volk trains sixteen to eighteen hours a week through the Air Force Gymnastics Academy.

“At about five years old, my parents enrolled me in a weekly gymnastics class, and I just kept going.”

Volk enjoys gymnastics because it pushes him both “mentally and physically.”

“I like it because it is one of the hardest sports, yet it is one of the most overlooked. Like many sports, it teaches me values and lessons that other things, such as school, cannot.”

The greatest lesson Volk has taken away from gymnastics is how to learn and deal with failure. Volk commented that he has learned more from his failures than his successes.

The senior plans to attend UW-Madison in the fall, and he could continue on with gymnastics by joining a college club league.

“I have several extracurricular options at UW-Madison, so I will decide later on about whether I continue in college,” he said.