NIU gymnast Kristina Campos has won two MAC Gymnast of the Week awards this season and five in her three season with the Huskies.

Northern Star: Your coach, Mark Sontag, called you the best gymnast ever to compete at NIU. What’s it like trying to live up to that title?

Kristina Campos: Wow, it’s flattering, I guess. But all I try to do is go in there and give 100 percent every day and do my part for the team.

NS: Most kids are into more mainstream sports – how did you get into gymnastics?

KC: My mom put me in classes when I was 3 to get rid of some of my energy, and it sort of started from there. I don’t think she figured it would go this far though.

NS: If you could invite any four people – dead or alive – to dinner, who would you choose?

KC: Mary Lou Retton, who was on the 1984 U.S. gymnastics team, had to score a perfect ten and she did it – twice. I’d also say Lance Armstrong because he seems like a really positive role model. The other two would be my mom, Tonia, and my old coach from back home, Laura Cashmore.

NS: Other than Retton, did you have any gymnast role models as a kid?

KC: Kim Zmeskal, just because she was powerful and could tumble really well.

NS: You’ve had more than your share of achievements in NIU gymnastics, but do you have one that you’d say is your most memorable?

KC: On an individual level, going to regionals twice is one of my greatest accomplishments, but this year the team was my favorite because of all the improvements we’ve been making.

We’re really scoring points. We have a lot more positivity, and a lot more of the girls want to be here and improve their gymnastics.

NS: If you could change one athletic characteristic about yourself, what would it be?

KC: I wish I could do dance and jump leaps better.

NS: How do you think you teammates would describe you?

KC: I guess they’d maybe describe me as being tough.

NS: Tough on them or tough mentally?

KC: I think both. I’m probably one of the girls they’d say is the most honest as well.

NS: Do you think they’re intimidated by your success?

KC: No, it’s more like we all get along really well, but they know that I’d tell it to them straight.