March 9, 2009

BERKELEY - With a healthy Bryan del Castillo, the No. 2 California men's gymnastics team is an even more powerful force with which to be reckoned. Del Castillo was the 2006 junior national champion, but has been limited by injuries. This year, del Castillo has competed in four different meets, and has notched four new career highs over the course of the season. CalBears.com recently talked with del Castillo to learn more about his life inside and outside of the gym.

CalBears.com: What has surprised you most about college?
BDC: "How smart and hard working everybody is. The students and the student-athletes are all very intelligent and work hard to be the best."

CalBears.com: What is one skill you would like to have that you don't already possess?
BDC: "I would like to learn how to cook. I love good food and it would be nice to know how to make it."

CalBears.com: What's your biggest pet peeve?
BDC: "At the moment, when people leave their dirty dishes in the sink!"

CalBears.com: What is your favorite food that someone in your family makes? What's great about it?
BDC: "Mochi with soy sauce and sugar. It has been a favorite of mine since I was about six. My grandmother always has it ready for me when I come over."

CalBears.com: Who are the most influential people in your life?
BDC: "My parents and girlfriend, Alex Leggitt. They are always there for me and help me when I need it."

CalBears.com: How do you prepare for gymnastics meets?
BDC: "I begin preparing for a gymnastics meet the day before the competition. The night before I make sure to eat a good meal and get a good nights rest. The next morning I get up early, eat, and rest my body so that I feel good for the meet. I eat a meal about two hours before we have to arrive at the competition. Basically, I do what I have to do to feel my best for the meet."

CalBears.com: What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
BDC: ""Work harder.' It's amazing what you can do if you think about what you want to accomplish and then put all of your effort into doing it."

CalBears.com: In the last men's gymnastics Q&A, Kyle Brady wanted the next men's gymnastics student-athlete to answer: What motivates you?
BDC: "I have always been motivated by the desire to be the best that I can be. I am always doing things to better myself. I do things for my own personal satisfaction, but at the same time, I consider others and try to make them happy."

CalBears.com: What question would you ask the next men's gymnastics teammate who is interviewed?
BDC: "What is something embarrassing you have done this year?"

For a complete listing of past Q&As with the California men's gymnastics team, click here or look on the sidebar on the main men's gymnastics page.