It’s our pleasure to introduce Aiden Harder, a 2005 Men’s Artistic Gymnastics athlete from Calgary, AB, Canada who trains with Travis Oxley at Gymtastics.

Read below to learn more about Aiden and hear how he maintains his competitive edge!

Interview

Weʼd love to begin by learning about your early gymnastics career. When and where did you start your competitive program? And, what did you love most about it?
I started gymnastics with my mom in a parented class at 18 months old, after she caught me sitting on top the fridge with my leap pad that she took away. She figured I had better learn how to fall safely. The coaches would demonstrate some skills and then show some progressions that we were leading up to and I would do them all. I did some more classes and when I was 3, my coach recommended I try out for the pre comp team and I made it. I have been with Gymtastics ever since. I have always loved learning new skills.

What was it like to compete for the first time? Did this experience shift for you as you gained experience?
Competing was so much fun and I loved showing off. later on it became a passion.

As you continued training and competing, what were some of the challenges you faced? And, how did you overcome them?
Injuries, I have broken both of my hands at different occasions, once was right before provincials. I also have had a few concussions and after that I had to learn to overcome the mental block, it is something I still work hard to overcome today. I have learned some methods to help me and I continue to work on this.

Who and what has been most influential in your gymnastics career? And, how have you stayed dedicated and motivated?
My mom, who keeps pushing me. My coaches, who keep supporting me, and Kyle Shewfelt who has always given me words of advice and encouragement when I am down or broken.

One of the aspects of gymnastics that we appreciate so much is that senior competitive athletes often participate in coaching younger competitive athletes. From what we hear, this is pretty standard in the sport and, we have to say, we think itʼs ingenious! Athletes who are new to the sport get to know their role models, which is so inspiring; Senior athletes deepen their knowledge by teaching skills in ways that resonate with boys who have myriad learning styles; and the gymnastics community benefits by having those who are participating in the sport literally shape its future. We’re curious: Does your gym also use a model like this?
Yes

Could you talk about your perspective on this practice and share your experience growing up within it, if applicable?
I have started coaching a pre competitive group of boys this year. I love sharing my competition videos with them and they get excited seeing the big skills so they work harder.

What are some of your most memorable career highlights?
Second on high bar at nationals 2021
Having the opportunity to compete at Canada Winter Games in PEI
Travelling to multiple provinces and states for competitions

Could you please share what grade you’re in and what plans and aspirations you have for the future?
Graduated, accepted to SAIT in the Paramedic program to start in May 2024,

Iʼd like you to imagine that youʼre in your 30s, living your best life! What do you think youʼll remember most fondly about your gymnastics career? And what has been your most fun memory, to this point?
My team mates, my coaches and the travel. My most fun memory was flying to PEI with team Alberta and living in dorms!

Could you please share some of the transferable skills that youʼve developed because of gymnastics? And also about any other ways you anticipate this sport will influence your life in the future?
Staying healthy, being driven, overcoming challenges.

Lastly, do you have any advice for younger athletes who are interested in MAG? Both in terms of gymnastics and in general?
You need to love what you do , everything else will fall into place.

Lightning Round Questions

If you could eat one food for the rest of your life it would be:
Pasta

If you were told the internet was going to disappear forever, what would you put on your hard drive? (Movies, shows, music, photos, etc.)
Music

If you could meet one person (dead or alive), who would it be?
Garred Higgens- a rapper

Your morning drink/meal of choice is:
Sunny side up eggs and coffee

On your days off, what do you LOVE doing?
Sleeping, drawing, driving

Your three biggest priorities in life are:
Sleep gym and food

Describe your go-to style in and out of the gym:
Comfy

THAT’S A WRAP! THANK YOU, Aiden!

We hope you found Aiden’s interview fun and inspiring! Here at the Grizzly Classic, our goal is to increase participation in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics across Canada. We thought it would be fun to share stories from athletes competing at every level and every age to create a sense of connection among these extraordinary athletes and give newcomers a window into the MAG community.

We hope you found this interview interesting and helpful.

If you have feedback, we’d love to hear it! And, if you know an athlete who would like to be featured, please direct them to the Grizzly Classic Featured Athlete Profile Form.