Who knows perfection better than Ashleigh Gnat?
Nine times in her decorated career as an LSU gymnast, Gnat scored a perfect 10, tied for the most in school history. That’s not to mention her 17 All-American honors, her 2017 national championship in the floor exercise, and the multitude of honors, awards, and trophies to her name.
But Gnat’s perspective on perfection is unexpectedly refreshing: “Perfect isn’t even perfect.” As in, perfection is subjective, a moving target, a line in the sand that keeps getting washed over by the waves.
I wanted to talk to Gnat about perfection, but the conversation ended up in a bigger and better place. We discussed transitions, the intersection of journeys, learning from the people around you, perception vs. reality, how gymnastics is as much art as it is sport, the 2021 LSU Gymnastics squad’s postseason hopes, and so much more.
About Tigers Win: Tigers Win is a podcast about excellence. Each episode, we’ll pick the brains of LSU coaches, student athletes, staff members, or alumni about the routines, habits, tools, mindsets, and attributes they’ve utilized to excel in their crafts. Hundreds of champions walk the stately oaks and broad magnolias of the Ole War Skule every year. This is your chance to get inside the mind of world class performers, learn what makes them elite, and how you can apply their lessons to your life and develop your own winning mentality.