The year 2018 was a great year in gymnastics.
On a national level, the UCLA Bruins had a comeback for the ages and upset top-ranked Oklahoma to win the NCAA team championship. Later that year, Simone Biles made her return to competition winning the national all-around title and the world all-around title.
Locally in 2018, Clarkstown’s Alexa Henshaw won the Section 1 all-around title. Until this year, was the last time a Rockland County gymnast had won the all-around. Flash ahead to Feb. 5 of this year and Henshaw’s sister Khloe, a sophomore at Clarkstown South, won the Section 1 all-around title.
Khloe discusses how she got started in the sport and how Alexa was the motivation to get into the sport.
How old were you when you started gymnastics?
Henshaw: I started in gymnastics when I was two years old.
What drew you to the sport?
Henshaw: When I was little I would watch my sister (Alexa) saying ‘I wanna do that’. My parents put me in the sport.
What were your favorite events when you started?
Henshaw: Floor exercise was always my favorite.
How long have you been at Galaxy Gymnastics in Orangeburg?
Henshaw: I’ve been at Galaxy for 13 years.
Who are your favorite gymnasts?
Henshaw: My favorite gymnasts are (2024 Olympians) Simone Biles and Suni Lee
What are your favorite events and why?
Henshaw: My favorite events are floor and vault because they are my best and easiest events for me.
What do you love about the power events?
Henshaw: They are my best. I love how it builds my confidence and I enjoy getting new skills on those events.
How did you hear about high school gymnastics?
Henshaw: I heard about high school gymnastics from my sister who also competed for Clarkstown.
How much of an influence was Alexa as to you doing gymnastics?
Henshaw: In the beginning she suppprted me and guided me to be the best I can be
What were Alexa’s best events?
Henshaw: Balance beam and floor.
What would you say is the difference between you and your sister as a gymnast and off the mat?
Henshaw: On the mat we are both good teammates and competitive and off the mat not only we are sisters but best friends.
To this point, what has been your favorite memory in the sport? This could be either during your high school career or for your club team?
Henshaw: Getting fourth on floor at nationals in 2025.
How does it feel to follow in Alexa’s footsteps winning the Section 1 AA title and help Clarkstown win the team title?
Henshaw: It is an amazing feeling to reach our goals by wining the Section 1 championships.
What is your ultimate gymnastics goal?
Henshaw: Getting a gymnastics Div. I scholarship.
What do you hope for the rest of your high school career?
Henshaw: To keep working hard and reach my goals.
Twitter: @LoHud_Debbie
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Clarkstown gymnast Khloe Henshaw follows in sister’s footsteps
Reporting by Debbie Schechter, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
