Within the final 4 years, Fuzzy Benas has had greater than his share of accidents. Truthfully, he’s had greater than everybody’s share, with shoulder and hand surgical procedure, a torn Achilles, bruised heel, and, most lately, January thumb surgical procedure. “And I’m most likely lacking just a few,” Benas jokes of the laundry record of setbacks he’s needed to overcome.
Nonetheless, that hasn’t saved Benas from being his finest, time after time. Rookie of the Yr his freshman NCAA season in 2022, he returned from a season on the sidelines to say faculty Gymnast of the Yr honors in 2024 and completed third all-around at the latest NCAAs in April, the primary time he’d been capable of do six all season. All that, plus a sixth-place all-around end at 2024 Olympic Trials, has a wholesome (knock wooden) Benas prepared for redemption right here in New Orleans.
Inside Fitness center caught up with Benas as he prepped for day one of many Xfinity Champs for five fast questions with the Sooner senior…
What’s your mindset coming into this meet?
I really feel extra ready for this meet than I’ve in a very long time. Prepared to return again on all six occasions and present out a little bit bit. Winter Cup was simply eager to be again on the market—like, I used to be simply launched to do something in any respect that very same week—and that is my probability to indicate what I’ve been doing, what I’ve been engaged on all summer season, and even longer.
My essential aim is to hit 12-for-12, be clear each days, and if I make Nationwide Workforce, or get to do extra, that’s simply an additional profit. My objectives are at all times centered by myself efficiency. I strive to not make my success depending on issues outdoors my management.
We’ve been listening to about excessive bar upgrades for some time, is that one thing we’ll see right here?
I’ve been engaged on a number of issues this summer season, however, yeah, excessive bar is certainly my greatest improve. It’s a routine I’ve been engaged on for some time. I’ve added some additional expertise and am planning a 5.8 Begin Worth set. It’s been actually enjoyable placing it collectively. Excessive bar is an occasion I really like to coach, particularly after I’m wholesome and might strive all these loopy issues. Now, it’s one other factor to place all these issues into an precise routine. That’s the irritating a part of the method, however now that I’ve obtained the gist of it, found out the set, I’m having enjoyable with it once more, and I’m excited to get on the market, present it off.
And the million-dollar query…Are you wholesome?
[Laughs] I imply, there’s at all times one thing. It’s gymnastics, you recognize? However, yeah, I really feel good in the present day. Able to go, and excited to get on the market.
It’s been actually good to have the ability to prepare once more the best way I wish to. I really feel like I’ve been wholesome a very long time—nicely, a very long time for me—and that’s allowed me to get higher. Now, I simply have to remain that approach.
I’ve been placing extra emphasis on my rehab, however that’s simply rising up a bit. Plus, my physique feeling prefer it wants extra upkeep because it will get older. However, yeah, I’m studying to be higher about doing the stuff that isn’t as enjoyable.
Truthfully, with the accidents, I simply really feel I’ve had these bouts of dangerous luck. There wasn’t a lot I might have carried out in another way, and I’ve thought of it. Lots.
