Today we’d like to introduce you to Jude Norris
Hi Jude, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was adopted from Hanoi, Vietnam at the age of 3 and moved to Carlisle, a small town in Iowa. When I was 4, I began tumbling classes at a recreational gym, where a mentor suggested I try gymnastics. By the time I turned 7, I was competing in the sport.
Creativity has always been a significant part of my life. I enjoy being a positive influence within my community and was even the team captain at my club gym during my senior year of high school. My passion for creativity extended beyond gymnastics; since middle school, I’ve been drawn to digital content creation and I would ideate creative photoshoots. This interest led to a growing following on my social media platforms and initially sparked my interest in Marketing; although I hadn’t realized it at the time.
When I realized that I could combine my love for content creation with a gymnastics career I was inspired to continue my athletics into college. I decided to attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where I am pursuing a degree in business, more specifically: Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management. Meanwhile, I would compete for the men’s gymnastics team for a year.
After my freshman year, I recognized that my journey as an athlete had reached its conclusion. This led me to retire and shift my focus to supporting the sport from behind the scenes. I am now the Director of Operations for the Minnesota Men’s Gymnastics team at the University of Minnesota.
In this role, I have grown both personally and professionally. I’ve gained extensive knowledge and experience in the operational aspects of business and marketing for our team. Because social media content creation and marketing are somewhat intertwined, this position has been particularly beneficial, allowing me to leverage my creative skills.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the major challenges I faced growing up was with my identity. Raised in the middle of nowhere, Iowa, I was often the only Asian kid around. My elementary school had only a handful of Asian students, and I was frequently mistaken for them, despite us being of different ethnicities.
Moving into middle school, another layer of complexity was added when I realized I didn’t follow the heteronormative agenda that everyone else followed. This added to my sense of isolation—I not only looked different from everyone around me but also didn’t share their sexual orientation. This revelation had a significant impact on my experience with gymnastics, a sport already perceived as feminine. Instead of being judged by my skill, I often felt defined by my sexuality. I usually found myself working harder than my peers to earn the same respect as an athlete.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a versatile individual, shaped by diverse experiences and interests. For a long time, gymnastics was my defining characteristic. When the people around me heard the name “Jude Norris,” they immediately thought of a gymnast.
Moving to Minneapolis for college marked a turning point. I wanted to reinvent myself, not by abandoning my past, but by expanding my identity beyond just gymnastics. During my freshman year, I embraced a new role as a “content creator,” adding an aspect to how people saw me.
Now, having completed my sophomore year, I am proud to be seen as an aspiring business professional. As the Director of Operations for the Minnesota Men’s Gymnastics Team, I’ve found a way to merge my three passions: gymnastics, digital content creation, and business. While gymnastics and content creation remain close to my heart, I am excited to be transitioning into the professional field, even as I continue my college journey.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is to not listen to those who doubt you. Throughout my life, I’ve encountered people who have tried to limit my potential with their negativity. Their doubts are usually projections of their own insecurities and they could have easily overshadowed my ambitions, but I chose a different path. It’s crucial to surround yourself with a strong support system—people who believe in you; friends, family, mentors, and colleagues who uplift and encourage you.
Whenever someone has told me that I can’t achieve something, I’ve used their doubt as fuel to prove them wrong. These moments of skepticism have consistently inspired me to not only accomplish what they said I couldn’t but to surpass those expectations. It’s a powerful motivator to turn doubt into determination, pushing beyond perceived limits. Believing in yourself, even when others do not, cultivates inner strength and a drive to succeed. This mindset has been instrumental in my journey, helping me navigate challenges and emerge stronger each time. Ultimately, never believe someone who tells you that you can’t do something. Use their doubt as motivation to push yourself further.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judecnorris
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/judecnorris
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-jeLAQnnm_ABe6cPpxQa0w
