Photo © 2008 Steve Lange

A huge fan favorite, Shantessa Pama is well known for the unique and risky skills she includes in her routines. She’s dared to throw a triple back off the uneven bars, and has the rare combination of powerful tumbling and great choreography on floor.

After a successful 2006 season (1st on uneven bars and 4th all-around at both the Gymnix International and Pacific Alliance meets), Pama was sidelined with a severe ankle injury that kept her out of competition in 2007.

Though she was my underdog hope for the 2008 Olympic team, it seems the injury may keep her out of elite competition this season. Here’s what Pama has to say about her recovery and her future goals:

How is your ankle feeling now?
My ankle is fully healed. I have little aches and pains, but everything is healing up nicely. There was a lot wrong with it, including a fractured bone and some other stuff, but it’s better now.

Are you back training?
Yes I am. It’s going good. I’m pretty much focusing on getting all my skills back, and having clean routines. I’m getting ready for college gymnastics.

What are your goals for this year?
My plan for this year is to have fun, do the level 10 scene, and get ready for college. Right now I am competing level 10, and after States, Regionals and Nationals I’ll see if I can go back to elite for my senior year [of high school].

What college would you like to go to?
I would really like to go to Utah, Georgia, UCLA and Stanford. They are all my top favorites. I’d really like to compete NCAA gymnastics.

Would you consider returning to elite after college?
It has crossed my mind a lot. I like elite and it is really fun, so that might be a big possibility. I do feel like I have unfinished business in elite. If possible, I do want to re-enter the elite world after this level 10 season. My main goal, though is to get a college scholarship.

Photos of Shantessa Pama in action