Athletics

Early Days in Gymnastics

N Our Voice by Caden Clinton

Early Days in GymnasticsScott Bruhn

When I was a kid, I had more energy than I knew what to do with. My parents, hoping to channel that boundless energy constructively, enrolled me in gymnastics.

It turned out to be the perfect fit. 

My dad, a former collegiate gymnast, was thrilled. 

In a way, I was stepping into a world he had once loved deeply, and that connection only made my journey feel more special.

Gymnastics quickly became more than just a sport; it was a shared bond between my dad and me. 

He was proud, but he never pressured me.

His support felt like a quiet, steady presence, always there but never overwhelming.

I admired his humility, kindness, and strength — qualities I hoped to mirror in my own life, both inside and outside the gym.

Driven From The Start

By the time I turned eight, I was hooked. 

At my first competition, I placed third in the all-around. For many kids, that would have been thrilling. For me, it sparked something else. 

I wasn’t satisfied with third place; I wanted to be the best.

That early brush with competition lit a fire that drove me to push harder, train longer, and dig deeper, even when the work was tough.

Every step of the way, my dad was there. 

He never told me I had to be the best; he only encouraged me to reach my own potential.

Watching his excitement and knowing that he understood what it meant to push through the ups and downs kept me grounded and motivated. 

Choosing Nebraska

When it came time to choose a college, the decision was tough.

Schools like Penn State, Michigan and Oklahoma all had their appeal, but Nebraska felt like home.

It wasn’t just about following in my dad’s footsteps; it was the energy of the Nebraska program, the brotherhood that the team shared, and the chance to be part of something bigger than myself.

The transition wasn’t easy, though.

Moving 14 hours away from my family was challenging, especially since I had always been close to my parents and my sister. 

I had grown up with their support, their cheers from the stands and their late-night pep talks.

Suddenly, that was all behind a screen or a phone call away. 

But I wasn’t alone. 

My roommate, Nik, became like a brother to me, and my teammates were more than just friends — they were family. 

Together, we faced the highs and lows, always lifting each other up.

Without a doubt, that’s one of my favorite parts of being a Husker. 

An Injury Scare

Then, in 2021, my journey took an unexpected turn. 

I fractured my back, a serious injury that sidelined me from the sport I loved.

At the time, I was one of the top gymnasts in the country, and missing the national championships felt like a crushing blow. 

I was devastated, unsure of how to move forward without the rhythm of training and competition that had shaped my life for so long.

But once again, my family, and particularly my dad, were there to offer perspective. 

“It’s just a chip on your shoulder,” dad said. 

His words grounded me, reminding me that setbacks can be fuel for growth.

His belief in my ability to overcome, even when I doubted myself, pushed me to recover and rebuild with a new sense of purpose. I learned not to take my health for granted and to cherish every opportunity as a gift. 

That shift in perspective transformed how I approached gymnastics and life itself.

Looking Ahead

As I gear up for the upcoming season, my goals have shifted. 

I want to earn my spot in the lineups to show my coaches and teammates that I can be counted on to contribute.

Every practice and each routine feels like a chance to prove to myself and the team that I belong here and can make a difference. 

I am not just working toward personal success; I want to be someone my teammates can rely on, someone who strengthens our team.

At the same time, I’m building for the future, honing my skills, and pushing myself mentally and physically. 

Gymnastics has given me so much — a sense of purpose, a second family, and a dream that keeps me striving every day.

 

A Lifetime Goal

In the long run, my goals reach far beyond this season. 

I want to see Nebraska win an NCAA Championship and bring that victory home for a program that has given me so much.

It’s been years since the last title, and I’m determined to do my part to change that. Together with my teammates, I believe we can accomplish something great.

Beyond Nebraska, I dream of representing my country in the Olympics one day. 

It’s a daunting goal, but it’s what fuels me to give it my all in- and outside of the gym.

I’ve learned that the biggest achievements start as dreams, nurtured through hard work and resilience. 

That dream of competing on the world stage reminds me every day to keep going, no matter what.

 

The Heart Of It All

Looking back, I realize that my journey isn’t just about medals or accolades. It’s about family, about the lessons my dad taught me through his own journey and the people who have stood by my side.

Competing for Nebraska is more than just wearing the team colors — it’s carrying on a legacy, one that is as much about character as it is about performance.

The history and tradition of Nebraska gymnastics weigh on us, but it also lifts us, reminding us that we’re here to build on something bigger than ourselves. 

And in that, there is strength.

As I look to begin this season, I know that I am exactly where I’m meant to be. 

I’m surrounded by people who believe in me, have a family who has been there from the start, and have a dream that keeps me pushing forward. 

I am ready to give everything I have.