Training with gymnastics coach Sergei Pakanich, McCuen quickly moved up the ranks, placing 8th in the country at the U.S. National Championships in the 14-15 division in 2007, and winning the Texas State Gymnastics Competition in 2008. Balancing his schoolwork with 7 hours a day in the gym, McCuen managed to maintain honor roll status throughout high school. McCuen told journalist Dave Walker of The Times-Picayune of his aspirations as a gymnast - ``I had a dream.
McCuen
Dave Walker