At six-years-old, I was glued to our television set watching the gymnastics competition at the 1980 Summer Olympic Games. A Romanian competitor named Nadia Comaneci mesmerized me. Four years later, I didn’t miss a second of American gymnast Mary Lou Retton’s events. And throughout the next few decades, my passion for cheering on Team USA gymnastics only grew. Amazing young women like: Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes, and Carly Patterson inspired me with their talents and tenacity. And, they made me wish I had at least learned how to do a cartwheel as a kid.
Thirty-five years later I’m still a huge fan of competitive gymnastics. So I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to interview 2008 Olympic all-around champion, Nastia Liukin (another gymnast who had me biting my nails all through her floor exercise and balance beam performances). Nastia is a Dallas native and home to help promote the Nastia Liukin Cup, a gymnastics competition that bears her name.
Now, I have a six-year-old daughter, Katie, who has recently shown interest in the sport. I thought participating in this interview would be the perfect opportunity to teach Katie more about gymnastics and her mommy’s work in journalism, too. Here are a few questions that Katie and I asked this amazing gymnast who has five Olympic and nine World medals to her credit:
DMB: Do you credit your parents with contributing to your gymnastics success? In what memorable ways did they help you know that you could do it?
NL: I definitely had gymnastics in my genes, but regardless of that, it takes a lot of hard work. I do have to say it was inspiring to know that my parents were World and Olympic Champions. Since my dad was my coach, I knew that he knew exactly what it took to become the best in the world. My parents supported me from day one and were right by my side through my entire career.
DMB: At what age did you start dreaming of going to the Olympics?
NL: I think when I won Level 6 Texas State Championship when I was 9 years old is when it really hit me. I remember standing on that first place podium thinking, “This is really cool. I want to stand on the first place podium at the Olympic Games one day”
DMB (Katie’s question): What does it feel like to do all those flips in the air? Do you get dizzy?
NL: It might be the coolest feeling ever… I didn’t get dizzy before, but now that I don’t train every single day, when I flip, I do get a little dizzy and see stars ☺
DMB: What do you do when you start to doubt your abilities? (Or, in Katie’s words): Do you ever get scared before you compete?
NL: I didn’t get scared, but I did get butterflies, which were good. Even though I trained for so many years, day after day, I still got a little nervous before a competition because I wanted to do my best. I think the most important thing in gymnastics and life in general is to be fearless in anything that you do.
DMB (Katie‘s question:) What is your favorite event in gymnastics? Why?
NL: Balance beam was always my favorite. I think the thrill of flipping on a 4-inch wide beam made it exciting. I also found that I was able to learn new skills quicker on beam than say the vault or floor, so it was fun for me.
DMB: What is your favorite memory from your last Olympics?
NL: Walking into the arena for the very first time with my 5 Olympic teammates, I remember having goose bumps and butterflies in my stomach, thinking I was about to embark on my life long dream. Then of course, standing on the podium with a gold medal around my neck listening to the national anthem was a magical moment.
DMB: What are the two most important attributes a girl needs if she’s going to participate in competitive gymnastics?
NL: I would say that the two qualities that I see most in successful gymnasts and athletes in general are passion and perseverance. Gymnastics takes a lot of work and dedication, it requires hours and hours in the gym and becomes a lifestyle, so it you are not passionate about it then it will be difficult to make that type of commitment. Gymnastics is also a sport where you are going to have good days and bad days, so you have to be willing to push through those bad days and persevere in order to be successful.
DMB: What advice would you give to moms who have daughters interested in competitive gymnastics?
NL: Gymnastics is an amazing sport. Even though I am a little bit biased, it really is great for young girls and boys. Regardless of how far you go, it builds strength, flexibility, coordination, work ethic, etc. It’s such a great building block to any other sport and just life in general. The most important thing is to make sure they enjoy it and the parents are the ones that are more ambitious than the child.
DMB: Do you still feel connected to the Dallas area? What are some of your favorite local places to hang out?
NL: Yes! Dallas is home to me. Even thought I’m not living here full time right now, I still own a home in Plano and my parents and friends all live here. I love the Shops at Legacy and Highland Park Village. They are both a one-stop shop. You can eat, go shopping, and get your nails and hair done.
DMB: If you have a daughter someday, would you want her to follow in your footsteps?
NL: I want my kids to be happy… and if it’s gymnastics that makes them happy, then I will support them 100%. But if it’s not gymnastics, then I will be just fine with that as well. I will definitely take the same approach my parents did, which was they never pushed or forced me into the sport. I fell in love with it and developed a huge passion for it on my own.
The Nastia Liukin Cup, which showcases many of the country’s top Junior Olympic female gymnasts, will be held at AT&T Stadium on Friday, March 6, 2015, in conjunction with the AT&T American Cup.
Tickets for both events are on sale now. Tickets for both events vary in price, depending on seat location and do not include applicable fees: 2015 AT&T American Cup, $35-$250; and Nastia Liukin Cup, $50 for reserved seats and $35 for general admission. Tickets may be purchased online through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com (Nastia Liukin Cup, AT&T American Cup) or by calling (800) 745-3000. For group (10+ people) sales information, please call AT&T Stadium group sales at (817) 892-8688.
As an additional Bonus, Nastia has gracious provided two tickets for one reader win to come out and see the Nastia Liukin Cup! A Winner will be announced on Tuesday, March 3!
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