University of Georgia Athletics
Get to Know Sabrina Vega
September 16, 2016 | Gymnastics
Sabrina Vega Forming New Identity
By: Sam Hendricks, UGA Sports Communications Student Assistant
Sabrina Vega is a gymnast. That's where she has always started with her identity.
Five years ago, Vega was standing atop the podium of the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo with a gold medal around her neck. To her left and right were Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Jordyn Wieber, McKayla Maroney, and Alicia Sacramone, many of them now household names. On her chest stood three letters: U-S-A.
"It's a big deal," said Vega. "It's an honor to compete for your country. You're not just competing for yourself or your team, you're representing the whole US. That's something that's an honor. And then we ended up winning the team gold, and that's something I will remember forever."
Vega continued her elite career with high hopes of making the Olympic team in 2012. That however was not the case.
"After Olympic Trials in 2012, that was a really hard time in life," said Vega. "My whole identity of who I thought I was, was in gymnastics. It's been a process since 2012 to really find my identity in myself and not only gymnastics. I had to take some time off to really find out what I wanted to do, and who I really was."
After failing to make the team, she took a break for a few months before deciding to pick the sport back up again. She moved to Kansas City and lived with a pastor and his family. While there she was able to get involved with a youth group and find her identity again, not in gymnastics, but in something greater.
"It was still hard for me, but living with that family, I really found my faith for myself and I know that I can always revert back to that," said Vega.
Unfortunately two shoulder surgeries and a separated kneecap kept her away from Rio, thus ending her time as an elite gymnast. She is at peace with her career and is eager to begin a new chapter competing at the college level.
"My favorite thing so far is just being back in school," said Vega. "Once I decided I was going to do college gymnastics, I was super excited to get back in school and start the next chapter in life."
Vega brings a plethora of experience with her to Athens, and that is something she is looking forward to about the team.
"My goal is to be able to be a leader and push this team to the best of their abilities," said Vega. "I think because I have that experience of competing at big stages, I really feel like I will be able to help the team with staying confident in competition setting, controlling nerves, but also in practice, pushing everyone to the best of their ability."
Not only does Vega bring her experience, but she also radiates enthusiasm with every word she speaks.
"People laugh every time I talk, even if I'm not trying to be funny," said Vega. "I try to be as positive as possible, I'm always the one that's laughing and cracking jokes, trying to put a smile on peoples face, that's probably my best thing."
Vega's identity and success is no longer completely wrapped up in gymnastics, but her enthusiasm for the sport will never fade.
Players Mentioned
