For recent Springfield graduate Sara King, both Judaism and gymnastics have taught her the importance of finding her own path. These being two large aspects of her life, yet not having a big community for either in Slovenia, has led her down a unique path—including stops across the United States, Israel, Taiwan and recently Algeria, where she finished 13th all-around at the Mediterranean Games.
Major surgery had hindered her initial roadmap through the sport after she initially wanted to represent Slovenia at the Olympics. Recovery during her freshman season at Springfield proved to be a challenge but one that she notes as a big accomplishment in the sport for herself. While there are some skills she’ll never do post-surgery, she added, “I’ve been able to work my way around it and still show some competitive gymnastics.” That she has, solidifying herself as one of Springfield’s top bars and beam workers in her two collegiate seasons.
As a sophomore, King slowly but surely acclimated to the energetic collegiate competition atmosphere. Once she found momentum she proved to be a key athlete, finishing her first competitive season with a third-place finish on beam at the NCGA-East regionals. Unfortunately, her junior year was cut short and her senior season…
