A native of Oakland, California, Cairo Leonard-Baker hails from Head Over Heels Gymnastics, the same gym as fellow Gym Devil Katelyn Lentz. She is a two-time Junior Olympic National qualifier and holds three of the top-100 bars scores in the nation in 2017, including a 9.825 which earned her the title of 2017 NorCal state bar champion. Leonard-Baker garnered three other bar titles during the regular season plus four top-five finishes in the all-around. At the 2015 NorCal State Championships she won both the vault and all-around, tied for first on floor, and added a second place finish on bars and beam. The Gym Devil newcomer figures to make an immediate impact for the squad in 2018...
What drew you to Arizona State?
The beautiful campus, wide range of majors, and I loved the team and all the support student athletes get.
If you could have dinner with anyone from any era, who would it be and why?
Betty White, because she's so iconic and has lived so long and through so much.
If you had the chance to pick the brain of any coach in any sport, who would it be?
Liang Chow, because he has trained so many physically and mentally strong Olympic gymnasts.
If you had the chance to watch one past sporting event, which one would you go to?
The 1984 Olympics, because that's when Mary Lou Retton became the first American gymnast to win an all around title.
What is your hometown and what do you like best about it?
Oakland, CA and my favorite thing about it is how it's a big melting pot of different cultures and mindsets.
Which past Sun Devil (any sport) do you wish you could have watched play?
Pat Tillman
What is the last book you read?
Palo Alto by James Franco
What's your favorite song from your favorite artist?
The Way Life Goes by Lil Uzi Vert
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
F.E.A.R has 2 meanings- forget everything and run or face everything and rise. The choice is yours.
What is a movie that you can watch over and over again?
22 Jump Street
What is the best advice your parents ever gave you?
To never second guess myself.
If you could be on any game show which would you choose?
Family Feud
If you could learn to do anything what would it be?
Speak another language
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Funny, Outgoing, and Determined
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
Folding clothes
What is your best childhood memory?
Family BBQs at my grandmas house with all my aunts uncles and cousins.
What's your favorite TV show and why?
Criminal Minds because it never gets boring
What is your favorite road trip destination?
Santa Cruz beach
What is one place you really want to visit?
Bora Bora
If someone wrote a book about your life what would they title it?
Blood, Sweat, Tears, and Chalk
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be?
The Weeknd
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I can say the alphabet backwards
Who is your favorite athlete of all time?
Michael Phelps
Who has been your biggest inspiration in the sport of gymnastics?
Sadiqua Bynum
What is your favorite gymnastics related memory?
Winning level 9 westerns and getting my first 38
What is the hardest thing about competing as gymnast?
Keeping your focus throughout the whole competition.
Do you have any personal goals for this upcoming season?
To compete all around and help my team make it to regionals and come up in the ranks.
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