Fifth-year senior Camryn Hidalgo has a story of perseverance and triumph. It starts across the country in Mission Viejo, Calif. Hidalgo is the second oldest of four siblings. She has three brothers, one older and two younger. Her household was loud and festive, which she says turned her into a fighter.
To expel the energy young Cami had, her parents got her started in gymnastics as a toddler. She continued in gymnastics for over five years before an injury forced her to make a difficult decision on her future and would forever shape who she became.
Transition from Gymnast to Diver
Hidalgo was in gymnastics through 2007. She became a level six gymnast before being diagnosed with Panner Disease in her elbow. She was instructed to sit out of competition for two years to allow her elbow to heal but the rambunctious young Cami needed something to do.
As Hidalgo was looking for her next athletic endeavor, she heard about the common move of former gymnasts to start diving. There was initial apprehension from her parents on committing to another sport but after a year of being out of athletic competition, Hidalgo took that first step onto a diving board.
“Gymnastics gives you all the basic technique of diving and because I was so young and hadn’t done so much of gymnastics, I was still very moldable,” Hidalgo said. “I knew to listen to my coach. I was fearless, willing to do whatever.”