North Cook News

Lili Mizuno continues to strive for the win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Alongside four of her teammates, the gymnastics competitor forms part of the U.S. rhythmic gymnastics team, scheduled to compete on Aug. 6.

The 20-year-old from Northbrook, Illinois, representing North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center will execute two routines involving five balls and two clubs, each for 2 minutes, 30 seconds. Ribbons and ropes are also typically used during the routine. Mizuno explained that she feels prepared for the mental challenge of the competition, which constitutes 90% of the routine’s success. 

“Physically, we are able to do our routine cleanly and meet our consistency goal,” she told the Chicago Tribune. “I know how to manage my own nerves, and I know what my mindset needs to be when I go into the competition zone.” 

 A 2019 Glenbrook North graduate, she participated in artistic gymnastics as a kid, but it wasn’t for her. Her interest in the sport began when she saw girls at her gym playing with ribbons, and she mentioned to her mom that she’d like to try that, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Kawasaki native relocated to Chicago from California five years ago to train for rhythmic gymnastics, training at the Deerfield North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center, where the rest of her Olympic team members train, including Vernon Hills graduate Nicole Sladkov, Buffalo Grove graduate Yelyzaveta Merenzon and Barrington student Gergana Petkova. 

“It’s definitely a thrill,” Mizuno said via phone from the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York. “I’m so grateful I reached this point and I can showcase my skills with my teammates. My brain is still trying to process that this is happening. I never thought I would make it to the Olympics. It’s surreal.”