It's never been about talent for Chaney Neu. The Champlin Park freshman, who became the youngest state all-around champion at the 2017 Class 2A gymnastics meet, has the requisite physical skills to be one of the state's top gymnasts.
Work ethic has never been a problem. Nor has her mental game. She landed a clutch vault on her last event of the 2017 meet, nailing a Yurchenko layout that judges scored a 9.8. It not only won the event, but it vaulted her into first place in the all-around.
"She's an exceptionally bright young lady," said Rebels coach Jon Wynia. "She's at a different level with her intensity. She definitely has the ability to focus."
So far, Neu has managed the pressure of being a state champion. Her scores place her in the top two in the metro in three events — vault, floor exercise and uneven bars — and the all-around and her 9.65 on balance beam are top-five.
Everything appears to be in place for Neu to make a serious run at another title, with one significant improvement: She's enjoying herself.
"I came into this season thinking I want to have more fun and not put so much pressure on myself," Neu said.
Neu admittedly eschews the spotlight, preferring to perform away from peering eyes. The accolades and fanfare she received for her 2017 successes made her uncomfortable. "I don't like the attention that much," she said.
So, in her quest for fun, she looked to the team.