Roxanne-Nnika Sochon

I began my gymnastics journey at Basingstoke Gymnastics Club, which is still my home club today. Gymnastics has shaped who I am, and being selected for the Welsh Squad is something I’m incredibly proud of – it motivates me to keep striving for higher goals. My journey hasn’t always been easy. I’ve faced mental blocks on bars and learned to manage my tics, which are just a part of who I am. I spin and say “peanut butter” a lot, and I feel this adds to my colourful personality. These challenges have taught me resilience, focus, and belief in myself.

Some of my proudest achievements so far include medalling at the Olympic Hopes Cup in the Czech Republic and becoming Junior All-Around Champion at the Caledonia Cup in Scotland, representing Wales at both competitions.

When I’m doing gymnastics, I feel completely free – it’s where I feel most at home in myself. Everything I’ve faced has helped shape me into a stronger, more determined gymnast, and I’m proud of the person I am becoming.

I’ve honestly been doing gymnastics for as long as I can remember. I started in baby gym classes when I was only a few weeks old, so it’s always been a part of my life. I don’t really remember a time without gymnastics, and I think that’s why it feels so natural to me – it’s grown with me as I’ve grown up.

My favourite apparatus is the beam because I love it! Most people think it’s scary, but I find it exciting. I like the challenge of doing skills on such a narrow beam, and it makes me feel proud when I stay focused and hit my routine. My favourite skill is probably either a double straight or a Shap, because when I do them, it feels like I’m flying and totally free.

Outside of the gym, my favourite hobbies are gem art, reading, and embroidery. I like them because they’re all calm and quiet, and they help me relax. I also really enjoy cooking – anything from making dinner for my family to baking treats like waffles and pancakes. It’s something I find fun and rewarding.

I help with coaching at Basingstoke gymnastics club, I love working with all the young gymnasts and watching them grow with their new skills, reminds me of where I started and how it all began.

Being on the longlist for the Commonwealth Games feels exciting and honestly quite surreal. It means a lot to me because it shows that all the hard work I’ve put in is paying off. I feel proud but also very motivated, because it makes me want to push myself even more in training. It’s such an honour to be considered, and it gives me a lot of confidence going forward.