Air Force Academy

Feb. 11, 2011

Each week, GoAirForceFalcons.com will spotlight a member of the Air Force women’s gymnastics team with an online feature called “Friday Focus”. This week, gymnastics fans can get to know Maddie Bannon, a freshman from Colorado Springs. Bannon is the Falcons’ first hometown gymnast since 1996 and just the eighth NCAA Division I gymnast from Colorado.  

 When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grow up? Surgeon          

What is one thing that you just can’t live without? chapstick

If you had $1,000,000, what would you do? Buy a car, a house, and use the rest to pay my loans off. I could probably fit a nice vacation in there too.               

 What is your favorite vacation spot? Mexico

What is the most interesting place you have traveled to? New York City

What is one song that you’re tired of hearing? Tik Tok by Ke$ha

What is your favorite drink at Starbucks? Extra coffee caramel Frappuccino with no whip

What is your ringtone? Classic Bell

Who should play you in your life story? Cindy Lou Who

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Who is your favorite TV character? Michael Scott from the Office

What is your favorite song for karaoke? Pour Some Sugar on Me

What is something that you are afraid? Quicksand

What was the first CD you ever bought? Backstreet Boys

What was your first job? Gymnastics Coach

If you had a theme song, what would it be? Yellow Submarine

If you could be on any TV show, what would it be? That 70s Show

How many hours of sleep do you need (and now  … how many do you get?) 12-16 and now I get 4-5

What sports teams do you follow? DALLAS COWBOYS

What do you want to do after graduation? Be a pilot

What is your proudest achievement? Winning State Championships

What era would you most like to travel to? Prehistoric

What is one thing about your hometown that you miss? Friends

What is your favorite movie of all-time? Step Brothers

What is a secret talent that few people know you have? I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue

Where is your favorite place to relax? On the beach

How did you get started in gymnastics? My mom owned a gym

What challenge do you find in gymnastics that you don’t find in any other sport? Commitment to work hard no matter what, and FLEXIBILITY

What do you like best about gymnastics? The adrenaline rush

What is your favorite sport besides gymnastics? To do: volleyball To watch: football

Do you have any pre-meet rituals? Eat Pops for breakfast and put on my lucky socks

What was the best moment from a road trip last season? Sleeping in the airport with 20 other people when our flight got delayed. Things got crazy

What is your advice for young gymnasts? Always remember your dreams. 

Who are the biggest influences in your life and why? My sister, because she showed me how commitment can help you succeed in any situation. And my grandmother who has been my role model forever. She embodies pure dedication and is just a great grandma in general.

How do you balance your athletics, academics and military duties? Focus on one thing at a time

Who is your favorite non-gymnast athlete(s) at the Academy? Alexander Rosen

 What is your favorite class? Behavioral Science

Who is your favorite professor/AOC/etc.? Major Scott Kidd Poteet

 What is your favorite place on the Academy grounds? The gym

 What were your first thoughts of the Academy? That it would be cool. That there would be lots of exciting things to do

 Who are your biggest fans? My friends

 What was your most memorable “welcome to college” moment? Meeting my roommate