Many of us are excited to see Simone Biles coming back to the Olympics, but have you heard of Shannon Daily? At 61 this seven time world mentalist has over splits, an aerial, and loves dynamic pole dancing. With the Olympics coming up many other sports are buzzing about when will it be their turn to join? Pole dancing might not be in the Olympics next year, but we have yearly international competitions. And Shannon is part of Team USA! Shannon is the perfect example that age is just a number and she can kick most people half her age or younger’s butt. Please read on to learn more about this remarkable athlete, and her secrets, in our exclusive interview below.

Where are you based?
Central Oregon

How did you get into pole dancing and aerial arts?
I found pole dancing when I was living in San Francisco and was taking a break from my favorite hobby, flying trapeze.

Do you have a favorite apparatus and why?
Flying trapeze is my favorite apparatus, but it takes not only a lot of space and money, but is at least a three person team effort. What I like about pole is I can train by myself, if I want.

Do you have a favorite trick?
I think One Handed Standing Split is my favorite as of late.

You used to be a gymnast. How has it been transitioning from gymnastics to aerial arts?
Well, there was a 20 year break between gymnastics and finding flying trapeze and other circus arts, and 30 years until I found pole. I’m always a little surprised by how much muscle memory I still have even though I am not as flexible as I was all those years ago.

How many world metals do you have and what are they in?
I’ve won 7 medals at Worlds. Three at International Pole Sport Federation (IPSF). One bronze in Pole Art in 2019, one silver in Pole Sport 60+ in 2022, and one gold in Artistic Aerial Hoop in 2022. In another league, Pole Sport Association (POSA), I won two bronzes in 2021 in Pole Art 50+ and Pole Sport 50+. In 2022 I placed 2nd in Pole Sport 50+ and 1st in Pole Art 50+.

How would you describe your dance/theater style?
I studied ballet for a long time both when I was young and again as an adult, but I don’t think it suits me all that well. I love jazz and contemporary dance styles but don’t have much time to keep up with pure dance training. I lean a lot into a comedic theater style, and hope mostly to make people laugh or be entertained. I also really still enjoy dynamic tricks, so I do try to get a few in and hope for some surprised looks. Afterall, I am over 60 yo know.

Simone Biles just made history because at the age of 26-year-old she became the oldest woman to ever win the gymnastics championships. You are 61 and winning international titles. Why do you think pole dancing and aerial arts is so much more approachable for older athletes?
Gymnastics used to be dominated by teenagers so I am happy to see actual adults kicking ass! I think people find pole a bit more approachable than other aerial arts. Poles are relatively inexpensive and are easy to set up in a corner of almost anyone’s home. A lot of people really want to get in touch with their more sensual sides and find that they can do this with pole.

You are currently preparing for the International Pole Sport Federation (IPSF), which is the international competition for pole dancing and aerial arts that is closest to taking these sports to the Olympics. Do you think of yourself as an Olympic athlete? How do you feel about this upcoming competition?
I try not to think about it in those grand of terms of the Olympics otherwise I would get even more nervous! I just think about how I want to present my latest character and routine, and positively represent myself, my country, and mostly my older generation. I definitely think of myself as an athlete and sometimes an artist. I just want to have fun at this upcoming competition and see friends I don’t regularly see or only get to talk to over Instagram.

What draws you to compete every year? What is your goal as an athlete?
Seeing friends from around the world is the really big draw for me. Also seeing people who are big names in the pole and aerial industry compete in person is super exciting. My goal this year is to try and present fun ideas and have clean, interesting, and memorable performances. I also did challenge myself by adding at least one spicy dynamic trick to my solo sport routine. And, I’m competing in a new category for me with my doubles partner, Kira Bucca!

What are your hopes for pole dancing and aerial arts going to the Olympics?
Well, I think there is room in the Olympics for Pole! I think it would drive a lot more viewers and they would be surprised by the athletisim of it.

So many people use the excuse of getting older to not be as physical, but you are strong, fearless, and very bendy! What do you say to these people? What is your secret?
Chocolate. More seriously, I just find this type of movement fulfilling. Then there’s the added bonus of staying in shape to do this movement and also creating characters and stories for routines.

To be an international athlete you need to have a strict training schedule. Can you share some of yours with our readers?
I only train 3-4 days a week. Rest days are as important as training days for me. A good night’s rest helps keep me focused. Of course, eating cleanly with a good deal of protein is recommended for older athletes. I try to limit how many repetitions I do of a trick I’m trying to conquer and be more patient with myself. I keep a journal to keep focused on what I want to accomplish, but even with that I try to not be too strict or hard on myself. Also, mats.

Any fitness tips?
I think for endurance training, especially if you are injured or just not mentally ready to run your 3.5-4 minute arduous routine, jumping rope for 5-10 minutes can be a good replacement. I don’t think the general public realizes how grueling a 4 minute program can be! Also, I do a lot of short pilates programs on YouTube for core conditioning.

It has been a crazy past few years, how do you stay positive?
I am not always positive, but I work at it. I like to think of new routine ideas or combinations with props and tricks I’ve done for a long time. Perusing the web and seeing new flipping tricks or combos inspires me. Also, disco music.

What is your motto in life?
I don’t have one, but if I did it would have something to do with trying to live a life without many regrets.

To learn more about Shannon, please follow the links below:
Instagram: shannun_aerialfit
Show she is in: bigqueerparty
Studio she teaches at: https://www.sekse.fit/

Shannon Daily - Bringing Home The Gold