The Olympic Games are a chance for people from all over the world to integrate and involve themselves in organized competitions in a variety of athletic events. The people who participate in the games gain the title of being an Olympian. Olympians are the best of the best in their sport, with children all over the world aspiring to one day have the talent and drive to perform like an Olympian and maybe even become one themselves. For one 15 year old Miami native, the idea of becoming an Olympian is just within her reach.
Khloe Timmer is an ordinary teenage girl in every way except for one. Harboring an extraordinary gift for artistic gymnastics, Timmer is training in hopes to attend the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris this July.
“I have four qualifiers coming up soon that will give me a chance to go to the olympics. I am going to be training a lot so I can prepare for them and meet all of the requirements for each skill,” Timmer said.
Over the course of the next few months, Timmer will be traveling to Egypt, Qatar, Italy, and Germany to compete in the four qualifying events which will give her the opportunity to earn enough points to win a bid to the Games this summer.
Timmer trains at Leyva Gymnastics Academy in Kendall under Maria Gonzalez who is the mother and coach of two-time olympian, Danell Leyva.
“I started gymnastics when I was three,” Timmer said, “and now I am competing level 10 locally and elite nationally.”
Timmer trains over 15 hours a week, while also attending an academically challenging day school.
“When it comes to school I try to find a balance between school and extracurricular activities, it’s kind of hard and I am really tired and everything but when it comes to homework I still have to get it done by a certain time,” Timmer said.
While being an honor student and maintaining good grades, Timmer has accomplished more than most athletes could ever hope to achieve. Timmer won the silver medal for vault in the Central American Championships this past year as well as competing in multiple international competitions across the globe.
Although hailing from South Florida, Timmer in fact does not compete for the United States during international events. Both of her parents are first generation Haitian immigrants, so if Timmer is able to qualify for the games, she will represent Haiti.
“I feel so proud to represent Haiti because I think it will bring a positive impact in the lives of the people and my family who live there. Haiti is going through a hard time and events like this will give people hope,” Timmer said.
Being recognized internationally as a gymnast is an enormous feat of its own, but the impact of Timmer representing the country of Haiti is what her family is most proud of.
“I’m very proud that she is representing Haiti,” Timmer’s father said, “it definitely gives me bragging rights but I am so proud that all of her hard work is paying off.”
Through tremendous family support and a dream, Timmer has been able to achieve so much and will hopefully go on to win a medal for Haiti this July.
