The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 12-year-old Rikki Ashman as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Ashman is a competitive gymnast training at level nine at Galaxy Gymnastics in Orangeburg, NY. She is coached by Jamie Winkler, Galina Petrouniak, Sergei Vaitenok and Josh De Michele. Ashman trains 24 hours a week in addition to being an honors student in The Moriah School. Ashman was the youngest member of the entire USA delegation at the 2019 Pan American Maccabi Games this summer in Mexico.

Rikki, mazel tov on you taking home the gold medal at the Pan American Maccabi Games. Who is your role model and why?

My mom, because she always guides me in making good choices and helps me in every way possible.

What is your favorite sport?

Gymnastics.

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Being the youngest to represent the USA in the 2019 Pan American Maccabi Games, helping my team with the gold medal and winning a silver medal in the games for vault.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Aly Raisman because she has been to the Olympics twice, she is very determined and never gives up on her dreams.

What is your pregame routine, if you have one?

I take deep breaths and tell myself “I’ve got this.”

What is your earliest sport memory?

My first gymnastics competition when I just turned 6 years old.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Winning gold at the 2019 Pan American Maccabi Games.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?

I love to draw, watch TV, play with my nieces and nephews and hang out with my friends.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

Sharing my accomplishments with other people and showing everyone that you can do whatever you set your mind to do.

The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at the Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].