Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Jeremiah Musoke
Club: Liberty Gymnastics
Age: 9
Sport: Gymnastics
Musoke discovered gymnastics on YouTube. Intrigued by watching a video of a girl performing backflips, he started teaching himself gymnastics, using his bed for a mat, and quickly fell in love with the sport.
Determined to advance his skills, Musoke phoned Liberty Gymnastics Training Center in Concord to ask about taking classes. He spoke with gym co-owner Joe Van Gogh, who invited the seven-year-old for a visit. Two years later, Musoke is now a Rec 3 gymnast and a fixture at Liberty, who inspires everyone around him with his dedication, passion for gymnastics, love for helping others and upbeat disposition.
Liberty’s boys optional team, comprised of much older and more experienced gymnasts, has adopted Jeremiah as an honorary team member and pitched in to purchase him a team workout jersey. “Jeremiah is a natural leader,” says Liberty Gymnastics coach Brandon Kim. “From making sure everyone lines up properly, to offering suggestions and positive feedback, Jeremiah works for the success of his classmates as well as his own success.” Team coach Cole Stevenson adds, “Training with Jeremiah has always been fun. He’s hard working, respectful and always helpful. His classmates love him because he’s a nice kid and very encouraging to others.”
Hard work, discipline and respect
“Gymnastics has helped Jeremiah blossom as a person,” says his father, Ron. “Gymnastics has taught Jeremiah the importance of hard work, discipline and respect, and has helped him discover how much he enjoys helping others. He has become much more self-confident, too.”
Musoke enjoys trampoline and playing basketball and football. He is also an avid reader and especially enjoys the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series and books about animals.
Getting ready to start fourth grade at Monte Vista Elementary next month, Musoke is a budding social media star, with over 1,500 followers on his TikTok account @minibeastboy.xt that showcases his gymnastics skills. He has big plans for his future that complement his big smile and personality: Jeremiah wants to be an Olympic gymnast and a surgeon.
This summer he’ll be able to watch the world’s best gymnasts starting next week at the Tokyo Olympics.
The Pioneer congratulates Jeremiah and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.
Jay Bedecarré
Jay Bedecarré is a long-time resident and writer in Concord and Clayton. He began his newspaper writing career while still a senior at Mt. Diablo High School and he has been part of The Pioneer since its inception in 2003. Jay also operates Bay Area Festivals, presenting events around the San Francisco Bay Area including Bay Area KidFest annually in Downtown Concord.