Exclusive Interview on His Career, Training, and Elite Journey

Gymnast interview with Donnell Whittenburg, an American artistic gymnast, born in 1994 in Baltimore, Maryland. He commenced his training in Colorado upon reaching senior status and subsequently relocated to the Olympic Training Center to further his training at Salto Gymnastics in Wisconsin in 2020. He competed in 5 World Championships (winning 2 medals) and he was named an alternate to the Olympic team back in 2016.

Donnell, nicknamed “Don Don“, is recognized for his outstanding skills across multiple apparatuses, specifically in floor exercise, rings, vault and parallel bars. With over a decade of competition at the international elite level, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the realm of gymnastics. Not many gymnasts have an eponymous skill rated “I”, worth 0.9 (upgraded in the 2025-28 Code of Points): the “Whittenburg” is a piked triple back dismount on still rings.

Inside Donnell Whittenburg’s Gymnastics Journey

How and when did you start in gymnastics?

I was introduced to gymnastics after my mom was recommended by her coworker when I was around 6 years old. Before then, I already had a round back handspring back tuck. The goal she had in mind for me was to learn how to do skills safely.

You’ve had a long career. What are the pros of being an “experienced” gymnast?

Throughout my career traveling and competing in new countries have always been the
most exciting part about being a gymnast.

And what are the cons?

Gymnastics is a sport of consistency and availability. For older elite gymnasts, earning a livelihood through full-time gymnastics can pose significant challenges, particularly if they are not chosen to participate in key competitions. This situation can lead to considerable stress, as the absence of competitive opportunities directly impacts their potential earnings.

Which gymnast do you most admire?

I admire Li Xiaopeng*: the amount of difficulty he performed was just ahead of its time. That resonated with me during my preteen years.

* Li Xiaopeng is a Chinese gymnast specialized on vault and parallel bars, who won 4 gold medals at the Olympics, and 8 at World Championships between 1997 and 2008.

What’s your favorite apparatus to do?

Pommel Horse.

And to watch?

Floor Exercise.

Which gymnastics competition do you have the best memory of?

I would have to say that it is my first international competition, the 2012 Mexico Open that took place in Acapulco, Mexico. Not my best competition, but I competed against Olympians from the 2012 Games, which was a great experience.

If you could eliminate one of the six events, which one would it be?

If I could, I would eliminate Vault, it’s too scary, ha ha…

Donnell Whittenburg won a Bronze Medal on vault at the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow and is able to perform the most difficult vaults in the Code of Points but it’s not really his favorite apparatus.
“It’s too scary!”

Which element are you most proud of?

The skill I’m most proud of is one I can call mine which is the “Whittenburg” on Rings. *

* The “Whittenburg” is a piked triple back dismount on rings. It was rated H until 2024 and is upgraded to I in the 2025-2028 Code of Points.

How do you overcome fears and mental blocks (if any)?

For me, dealing with these issues is no easy fix, but going back to basics on a particular skill can be beneficial to get to the root of the problem. But no matter what, even if it’s scary, you have to go all in no holding back.

Have you ever wanted to quit, and if so, what made you stay?

After 2020, I wanted to quit, but the Olympic dreams never let me lose sight of what I wanted to accomplish.

Who’s the funniest gymnast you know?

Yul Moldauer, Marvin Kimble, and Steven Legendre.

What do you like best about gymnastics?

The best thing about gymnastics is the connections you meet along the journey. So many amazing gymnasts filled with personalities that share a common goal.

What do you dislike most about gymnastics?

The uncertainty of the sport, anything can happen at any time.

What advice would you give to 15-year-old Donnell?

I would tell myself “your time is coming, continue to connect with the amazing people around you”.

Your next objective in artistic gymnastics?

As of right now, my next objective is to recover from my Achilles injury and get back out on the competition floor in 2025.

What do you want to do after you retire as a competing gymnast?

I have a few options on what I would like to do after I retire from gymnastics. They would be Acting, Coaching Gymnastics, Graphic Designing, or Personal Training.

Several gymnasts from different countries spoke up about the culture of abuse, mistreatment, and toxic environments. What’s your view about it?

Many people forget this sport is a marathon, not a sprint. Pushing the “you need to make this happen now” analogy doesn’t help the athlete progress to retain a positive mindset due to those expectations. Positive coaching and a healthy team culture can push athletes to succeed without compromising their mental and physical health in the long term.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My Idea of perfect happiness would be living a life were I can travel with my family and friends around the world.

What is your greatest fear?

Not being able to be self-sufficient.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I would say I tend to overthink at times.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Lack of empathy.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to know how to fly a plane.

When and where were you happiest?

2014 in Colorado.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Living your life a lie.

What is it that you most dislike?

Unfairness.

What is your greatest regret?

Not prioritizing my hobbies enough at a younger age.

What would you do if you won 100 million dollars?

Invest it in property around the world.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Competing In my 30’s.

How would you like to die?

Peacefully around friends and family.

Donnell Whittenburg’s International Medal Record:

Donnell also has won 23 medals at US National Championships, including 8 golds since 2010.

More info:
Donnell Whittenburg’s FIG Profile
Donnell Whittenburg’s Instagram

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