Proud to present Betty Gallegos today - Enjoy!!!
What got you into throwing, how did you find the hobby?
I saw a yo-yo contest in 2009 and asked my parents to buy me a yo-yo, but they got me the cheapest and not-so-great one. It wasn’t until 2010 that they bought me one with a bearing. Then I searched on youtube and I found Grant Jonson yoyo videos and I started to take yoyo classes.
What is your goal in 2025 for yourself? Yo-yo or not!
One of my goals this year was to win Mexican National Yo-Yo Contest for the third time — and I did it! Now, my next goal is to make it to the finals at the World Yo-Yo Contest. I’ve been close before, so I feel like I have to keep trying.
If you could only have one yo-yo for the rest of your life what would it be?
Either Supernova or Space Cowboy. I could never get tired of them.
What trick are you working on currently?
I’m focusing on the presentation of my tricks.
What’s the trick that gives you the hardest time?
Hooks. I don’t like that trick or any of its variations.
What’s your favorite trick?
Horizontal tricks are fun for me and easy to do.
What’s your favorite yo-yo of all time?
The entire Supernova family is my favorite throw.
What’s the most meaningful throw you have?
I think it’s the Meerkat—the one I used to win the Women’s Division in 2019. It was also my first signature yo-yo so it’s special for me.
What’s your worst habit with yo-yos?
I get lazy about changing the string even when it’s clearly too old.
What kind of things are you into outside of yo-yos?
I have eight cats, so between playing with them and running my yo-yo store, that’s how I spend most of my afternoons, I also like watching series and painting sometimes.
What song best fits your personality?
I have no idea maybe Birds of a feather by Billie Eilish I listen to that song a lot!
Favorite restaurant and order?
I love tacos al pastor from street stands, haha But I also really enjoy sushi, takoyaki, and pizza.
Favorite movie and/or book?
My favorite movies are Mulan and Shrek 1 and 2. I’m not really a book person, but I love watching documentaries—National Geographic has the best ones.
What does yo-yoing mean to you?
For me, yo-yoing is a form of expression and a way to connect with others. It has its artistic side, but also a sporty side, since it takes hours of practice, and definitely a lot of consistency and perseverance.
What’s your favorite memory from your time in the hobby?
I have many good memories with friends but If I should say a personal one I would say There was a moment during my 2015 routine in the Women’s Division when I realized I was on the other side of the world thanks to a yo-yo. I was completely aware of the moment, and I truly enjoyed those two minutes on stage.
What’s your best advice for people to get better at yo-yoing?
Practice is key to improving, and it’s important to keep learning all the time.
How has the community changed since you started? Where do you want it to go?
I’ve been playing yo-yo for 14 years, and I’ve seen how the play style has changed over time. It’s amazing how it keeps evolving and will continue to do so.
Now I see kids who’ve only been playing for a short time doing really difficult tricks like it’s nothing—it’s crazy in the best way. I think after the pandemic, and thanks to everyone creating content on social media, we managed to bring in a lot of new kids and even adults who probably would’ve never picked up a yo-yo otherwise.
**If you never picked up a yo-yo - what would
things look like now?**
it’s hard to imagine life without it. I’d probably have a “normal” life I would’ve finished college, gotten an office job, and never left Mexico.
Advice/words of wisdom to new players?
Don’t rush—enjoy the process. Everyone learns at their own pace, and consistency matters more than speed. Try to practice a little bit every day, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask others for help. The yo-yo community is full of people who were once beginners too. Most importantly, have fun and let your style grow naturally. It’s something I wish someone had told me when I started.