Indy native Nick Guy keeps NCAA gymnastics title hopes alive for 2021
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — One gymnast, one goal and this spring — a long awaited celebration was finally within reach.
“I was ranked No. 1 (in the NCAA) and it was definitely kind of tough to take that and not be able to prove it when it came down to the NCAA Championships,” University of Michigan junior Nick Guy said.
Guy, an Indianapolis native and Cathedral High School graduate, was the top vaulter in the NCAA heading into the home stretch of the 2019-’20 season. With two meets to go — and mighty Michigan — sitting as a front runner for the 2020 NCAA Men’s Gymnastics National Title, it only took one sentence to stop this story.
“We found out in the middle of a practice meet in our gym, as we preparing for our next meet in Iowa,” Guy said. “I remember our (Michigan Gymnastics) assistant director came in and just told us that our season just ended.”
“I definitely think I could have won that title this year,” he said.
Guy’s gymnastics career started when he was two years old, and a layoff like this, is certainty a first. But, there is one trusted voice that he will lean on once again — one with insight into the biggest stage in sports.
“My dad (Gawain Guy) was an Olympian in 1984 at the Los Angeles Olympic Games for Jamaica in track and field (1500-meter run),” Guy said. “(He) was a multiple All-American… he told me about how he dealt with the pressure of track and field. I use a lot of those techniques, I think they have really helped.”
Dad is once again the guru, and although Nick’s goals don’t include chasing an Olympic team — there is still time for that missing NCAA National Championship in 2021.
“To salvage the disappointment of our season ending, it is going to encourage everyone to work harder in the gym so we can also prove that Michigan was the best team,” Guy said.
Hail to new hope. It’s the best medicine during this mayhem.