Nastia Olympic Champion

N10 USA GymnASticS november • december 2008

astia may have been born into good genes with a mother and father who are both gymnastics champions in their day, but it was hard work, dedication and tenacity that allowed Nastia to become the 2008 Olympic All-Around Champion.

Nastia was born October 30, 1989, making her 19 years old. She’s an only child who lives with her parents in

Parker, Texas. She trains at WOGA in Plano, Texas, and is coached by her dad, Valeri.

Nastia competed in her first junior national championships in 2002 and has been a dominant force in the world of

gymnastics ever since. This veteran of the sport has competed in the 2005, 2006 and 2007 World Championships and has

won a total of nine World Medals including four gold and five silver. She recently earned the all-around gold at the 2008

Olympic Games in Beijing, and silver medals in the team, bars and beam, and the bronze on floor. That’s a total of 14 World

NNastia Olympic Champion

USA GymnASticS november • december 2008 11

and Olympic medals.

Not only is Nastia a phenomenal gymnast but she’s also a really great person as well. Although she’s focused and intense at competitions, she knows how to have fun and enjoy life outside of the gym. Some of her favorite things include shopping, eating sushi, and hanging out with friends!

We caught up to Nastia in October to learn what she had been up to since the Games and to reflect back on her successful competition in Beijing. Here’s what she had to say!

What have you been up to since the Olympic Games?

Life has been so busy since the Olympics! I have had so much fun traveling all over the country, meeting different people and participating in very special events. I was in NYC for Fashion Week and got to sit front row in the Peter Som, BCBG Max Azria, and Badgley Mischka shows. I was on Oprah, Leno, The View, and Conan. While I was in NYC I got to see a huge billboard in Times Square with me promoting Vanilla Star Jeans.

I was able to get to know Maria Sharapova and she came to our Anaheim tour stop. I have only been home for a few days, so I am looking forward to spending some time with my friends and family. But I am also REALLY enjoying tour!

Above: Nastia is pictured with Late Night Show host Jay Leno. Below: Nastia is pictured with Maria Sharapova at New York City’s Fashion Week.

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What was it like winning the team silver medal?It was a great accomplishment for Team USA. We went in with really high hopes, especially coming in as the reigning World Champions. So winning the silver medal may have been a little bit of a let down to some people, but I was very proud of the whole team and an Olympic Silver medal!

What was it like winning the all-around title?Nothing can describe the emotions and feelings I had when I was standing on the award podium with the gold medal around my neck listening to our national anthem. Hearing my name next to “2008 ALL-AROUND OLYMPIC CHAMPION” gave me the chills. As soon as the medal was placed on my neck, I spotted my dad in the crowd and he had his arms up in the air. It was a moment I will NEVER forget. What was it like in the athletes’ village ?It was a lot of fun getting to meet so many athletes from all over the world. The food was really good--pretty American. We had a big variety. By the end of the three weeks, we were ready to come home and eat home cooked meals. I saw your photo on the Wheaties box, which must have been pretty exciting. What did you think when you first saw the cereal box?I couldn’t believe I was chosen to be on the Wheaties box. So many legendary athletes have been on it, so to be included as one of those athletes is a huge honor! How is the tour going? What do you like and dislike about being on the road?The tour is so much fun! I truly get the meaning of “living out of your suitcase.” I haven’t been home in quite a long time so I really miss my family and my own bed. But we have been able to see so many different cities around the country. We’ve gone to a lot of malls and we just hang out with the whole cast. KSM & Jordan Pruitt are traveling with us as well. Jordan and I have gotten really close, and it’s funny how we have only known each other for a few weeks, but we have found so many similarities. It’s pretty cool!

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Latest Nastia NewsLiukin was honored as the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Individual Sportswoman of the Year on Oct. 14 in New York at the Annual Salute to Women in Sports Dinner

She also unveiled that she will appear on an episode of “Gossip Girl.”

The TV show’s producers happened to be sitting at a nearby table in a Los Angeles restaurant. They sent over a note of congratulations and the next day they contacted her agent about a guest spot.

According to an Atlanta Journal Constitution article, Nastia said, “It’s amazing how one gold medal can change your life. I would never thought I’d have this many opportunities.”

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How long were you home between the Olympic Games and the tour starting? Did you get to celebrate with your family and friends at home?I was only home for about three days! I had a welcome home celebration and a parade which was amazing! They custom made a pink Saab convertible for me to ride in! After the tour, do you plan to go back to training or what are your gymnastics plans?I do plan on continuing training after tour. I will be in France and Moscow for Thanksgiving and I have a show, The Gymnastics & Figure Skating show, on Christmas Eve. I am really excited about that one because I have done it a few times and it’s a lot of fun! What are your plans as it relates to school?I am hoping to start school at Southern Methodist University in January! If things are still pretty busy, I can take another semester off. I have always thought that you can’t do gymnastics for the rest of your life, but you can ALWAYS go to school no matter what age you are.

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