Interview with Shannon Miller

Shannon Miller, now 36 years old, is the most successful gymnast in American History.  After winning two silvers at the 1991 World Championships, Miller showed herself as the "It Girl" of American Gymnastics when she helped the team to a Bronze Medal in the Team Final, was the leader in the All Around before the Finals, and won the All Around Silver Medal by the closest margin in Olympic History- .012. to Tatiana Gutsu, as well as having a Silver Medal performance during Beam Finals, and winning the Bronze Medal on Bars and Floor.  Miller only got better during the 1993-1996 Quadrennium, where she became the only American to win back-to-back World All Around Champion in 1993 and 1994, as well as picking up Golds on Bars and Floor in 1993 and Beam in 1994, Silver with the US Team in 1994, and a Team Bronze in 1995.  As a member of the "Magnificent 7", Miller lead the US Team to a Gold Medal in ATlanta, and won an Individual Gold on Beam.  Today, Miller is married to John Falconetti, and they have one son Rocco and one daughter Sterling.  After the birth of Rocco, Miller was diagnosed Ovarian Cancer, which she won her battle with in September 2011.  Miller is the founder and President of Shannon Miller Lifestyle, which focuses on living healthy.  

quaked.com

1. What was it like to compete knowing you could achieve the Perfect 10?

Every time you step on the floor it’s about achieving perfection whether it’s a stuck landing or a hit routine. The 10.0 allowed you to have a very specific goal regarding a score. Of course, there is also just something special about achieving the “perfect ten.” Nadia Comaneci made the perfect ten the ultimate statement in our sport. It’s almost like grabbing a little bit of history when you achieve it!

2.  Which system is better for the sport of gymnastics in your opinion, the current system or the Perfect 10?

They both have their pros and cons. I believe the perfect 10 is better for the spectators, particularly those that tend to watch gymnastics during the Olympics but may not tune in during the years in between. I think there’s a sense of excitement that comes with the idea of closing in on perfection. For the athletes, I’m not sure it matters too much. We have the rules and we remain flexible with the changes (pardon the pun). It’s also nice to have the designation of difficulty versus execution. It has taken some getting used to for all sides of the sport but you try to make the best of any new situation.

3.  You remain the most successful gymnast, male or female, in US history.  Do you believe you paved the way for the future of USA Gymnastics?

We all have our part. Many paved the way for me to have success in the sport, and I hope that I have helped encourage other young athletes to follow their dreams. I was never very outspoken but always believed in leading by example. I hope that my success in the sport shows others that if you have a dream and you work hard to achieve it, anything is possible.

Shannon Miller Lifestyle

 4. Which Olympic Experience/ Memory is your favorite?

Lol, well there was driving through Dairy Queen with our security guard after the competitions had all concluded. That solidified my love of the chocolate and cookie dough Blizzard! But seriously, standing up on the podium with my team after the team final was amazing! I don’t think I truly realized what an incredible feat we had achieved. There is nothing like seeing the American flag being raised to the sounds of our National Anthem.

5. How did your life after the Olympics change from before it?

I had been through one Olympic cycle (Barcelona) so to some degree I understood the craziness that was about to happen. But having the Games in the US and winning two gold medals just maximized everything! We went on a 100 city tour throughout the nation performing in front of thousands of people almost every night. However, along with the television shows, appearances and tours came a bit of disappointment. I had retired from Olympic competition and wasn’t sure what I was going to do next.

6.  How have you stayed involved with the sport after your career ended?

I stayed involved on the performance side, touring in each of the post-Olympic tours from 1992-2008. I think I’m the longest touring gymnast ever, lol. I have also been an analyst and commentator since 2000 and hosted a gymnastics television show for Comcast for 5 years. Now that I have children, I continue to work to promote the sport of gymnastics at all levels.

7. You've tried to have a normal adult life, how have you done so?

I feel like I’ve always had a “normal” life, because it’s normal for me. I try to maintain a balance of “celebrity” with doing something each day that helps others. Nothing can replace the feeling of flying through the air or flipping on a balance beam but I continue to have different excitement in my life, some good some more difficult. Having my children has really kept me grounded. They don’t care how many gold medals you have, to them you are just Mom….and I love that!

8. After you had your first son Rocco, you were diagnosed with a rare form of Ovarian Cancer. 

Wikipedia.org

Can you talk about your fight?

With all the titles I’ve earned over the years; Olympian, Mother, President (of my company) I never imagined at the age of 33 I would add cancer survivor. My son was just over a year old when I was diagnosed, and the only thing I could do was fight. I had to be here for him. I was fortunate that mine was caught early at a routine exam. I went through a difficult surgery and an aggressive chemotherapy regimen that left me weak, sick and bald…but I am now cancer free. I believe that God has a plan for each of us. I feel like this challenge helped me grow as a person, be a better mom and find a renewed passion for helping women make their health a priority.  

9. You call your new daughter Sterling your miracle.  How old is Sterling now and how is she doing?

Sterling (named after her maternal great grandfather, Robert Sterling) is 6 ½ months old, and she is so much fun. She has a very relaxed demeanor, smiles a lot and loves to “talk.” We feel so blessed to have both Rocco and Sterling and just enjoy every moment with them.

10. You commentated at the Olympics and many gym fans believe you should commentate full time.  Any plans for a future in the business?

They are sooo sweet. I always get nervous doing commentary, just like I did for gymnastics. I want to do a good job and put out solid information. There is so much preparation that goes into it and it’s nice to hear that people appreciate that. Right now, I take commentary jobs when I can. I truly enjoy it, particularly for the Olympics. But I also love to do analysis and more in depth pieces with the athletes. Of course, I also have a company to run so I try to balance everything as well as possible.

11. You've dedicated your life post-gymnastics to helping other people get and stay fit.  What inspired you to form Shannon Miller Lifestyle?

ShannonMillerLifestyle

Staying fit is part of what we do. My mission at Shannon Miller Lifestyle is to help women make their health a priority. That means nutrition, fitness, rest and relaxation, getting to their doctor’s appointments and educated themselves on issues like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. We want to help women understand that they should not feel guilty about making time for themselves. Because if they aren’t healthy they can’t be there for all of those who depend on them.My foundation works to fight childhood obesity primarily through fitness. We want to encourage a love of physical fitness for all children.

12. What is your opinion on USA Gymnastics current group of athletes?

The year or so after the Olympics is always a rebuilding year. You wait to see which athletes stay the course and what new comers are moving in to take their place. I’m looking forward to USA National Championships this year. As always, we have some incredible talent out there and it’s going to be an exciting road to Rio!

13. What advice can you give to young gymnasts? 

I always tell young athletes to enjoy it! Not every day is going to be a piece of cake, but you should truly enjoy what you do or you won’t do it well.

14. Is there a future in gymnastics for Rocco or Sterling?

People.com

Who knows. Rocco has been in gymnastics since he was 15 months old. I know how great the sport is for young children. It’s one of the few sports that toddlers can do that uses their full body. My hope is that he is getting a great foundation of balance, strength, flexibility and body awareness that will help him no matter what sport(s) he ultimately decides he likes. He also gets to socialize with other children his age, learns to follow direction, pay attention, and respect the equipment, his coaches and himself. I’ll do the same with my daughter when she’s ready. It’s a great way to keep them active. 

When The Junior Champion Becomes A Senior

I was watching the 2002 US National Championships and the spotlight was on, among others, Kristal Uzelac, the three time Junior National Champion.  At her first senior National Championships, Kristal had broken her toe prior to the competition during a training session, which caused her to scratch all but bars on night two.  Al Trautwig then mentioned how large of a adjustment it was to match the success as a junior when you transition into senior competition.  I decided to take a look at previous Junior National Champions, and weigh their success in their first year as a senior.

2012 Junior Champion- Lexie Priessman

USAGym   

After a dominating win at the 2012 Junior National Championships, there were high hopes for Lexie Priessman from Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy.  Priessman had been one to watch since 2010, when she won the inaugural Nastia Liukin SuperGirl Cup, placed 12th at the 2010 National Championships and improved to 4th in 2011.  After beating Maddie Desch by .55 at Nationals, Priessman started off 2013 with strong showings at the Trophy of Jesolo in Italy, Germany-Romania-USA Tri-Meet, and the Secret US Classic, where she competed well on all events but beam, where she scratched.  Much was expected of Priessman going into the 2013 P&G National Championships, where she withdrew with a sprained Achilles Tendon.  Priessman has since has surgery and looking forward to compete in 2014.

2006 Junior Champion- Shawn Johnson

Amy Van Deusen

In 2006, after placing 10th a year prior in 2005, Shawn Johnson started off strong at the 2006 Junior Pan-American Championships, before going on to dominate the 2006 Junior National Championships, where she beat Bianca Flohr by 4.15.  Johnson followed her success in St. Paul, Minnesota with a great start 2007 with a win over future Olympic All Around Champion Nastia Liukin in Jacksonville, Florida, and followed that with an All Around, Bars, and Beam win, at the 2007 Pan-American Championships.  En route to becoming the 2007 World Team, All Around, and Floor Champion, Johnson won her first senior US Title with a 3.45 point win over Shayla Worley.  In 2008, Johnson once again became the National and Olympic Trial Champion.  Once in Beijing, Johnson won the Team, All Around, and Floor Silver, and Beam Olympic Champion.

2005 Junior Champion- Natasha Kelley

GymMedia

After a close victory over Bianca Flohr in 2005, Natasha Kelley stepped up to the plate in 2006 as a senior and won the 2006 US Classic before finishing just 5 tenths behind Future Olympic Champion Nastia Liukin.  As a member of the 2006 World Championship Team in Aarhus, Denmark, Kelley placed 11th in Qualifications into the All Around Final, but was unable to advance to the final due to the two-per-country rule.  In Team Finals, Kelley was not used on any events as the United States won the Team Silver Medal.  Kelley started off 2007 with a second place finish at the Tyson American Cup behind Shawn Johnson and the preceded to place 10th at 2007 Visa National Championships.  After sustaining injuries at 2007 National Championships, Kelley retired from elite competition and went on to help Oklahoma place Second at NCAAs in 2010 and Third in 2011, as well as placing Fourth in 2011 before retiring prior to the 2012 season due to a torn Achilles.

2002 Junior Champion- Carly Patterson 

angelfire.com

In 2002, 14 year old Carly Patterson edged out teammate Hollie Vise by just over five tenths to win her only Junior National Championship.  Patterson started 2003with a big win at the Tyson American Cup and preceded to place second behind Chellsie Memmel at the Pacific Challenge.  Patterson was forced to withdraw from Visa Championships with an elbow injury, but recovered in time to lead Team USA to the first World Team title in United States Gymnastics History, as well as finishing with the Silver Medal in the All Around Final, behind Svetlana Khorkina.  Starting off 2004, Patterson traveled to New York and won her second and final American Cup, which led to a second place at the Pacific Alliance Championships.  At Visa Championships, Patterson shared the top spot with Courtney Kupets, and placed third at Olympic Trials.  Once in Athens, Patterson helped Team USA to a Silver Medal finish, as well as win the Olympic All Around Gold Medal, and a silver on the Balance Beam.  Soon after, Patterson retired from gymnastics.

International Gymnast

2001 Junior Champion- Kristal Uzelac

 After winning the final of her three Junior Championships, Kristal Uzelac appeared to be a rising star to watch.  At the beginning of 2002, Uzelac placed third all around and first on vault at the Pacific Alliance Championships, and seemed to be a contender for the Visa Championships in August. After fracturing a toe during practice, Uzelac had a rough meet day 1, and withdrew from all events but Beam on Day 2.  After retiring from Elite Gymnastics, Uzelac competed for Penn State University from 2004-2005 and won the Big 10 Uneven Bars and Beam Championships before retiring from gymnastics all together. 

Interview with Elizabeth Price

Elizabeth Price from Parkettes found herself an Alternate to the United States Olympic Team in 2012 in her first her as a senior.  After a dominating post-Olympic World Cup meets, Price with-drew from the American Cup due to a hip injury which she rested for eight months before competing two events at the P&G U.S. National Championships and being named as an alternate to the US World team and winning the Stuttgart World Cup while taking the Silver at the Glasgow World Cup.

Gymnastike

1.  When did you realize that you had the potential to compete as an elite gymnast?
I'd have to say I realized that I could be an elite in 2010 when I made my first National Team.  Before that I never really knew how good I was compared to other elite girls, so I wasn't totally confident that I'd be able to be a good competitor at the elite level.
2. Your gym has produced several National Champions and Olympians.  Is there a lot of pressure on you and other Parkettes Gymnast to carry on the tradition of excellence?
The only pressure I think the girls feel to achieve excellence is the pressure they put on themselves.  I think they look at Parkettes more as a place where they can become excellent if they want to, but noone is going to make them do something they don't want to do.
3. What expectations did you have for yourself going into 2012?
Going into 2012, the only expectations I had were to make the National Team again and to hit all of my routines.

Zimbio

4. What was your experience at 2012 Olympic Trials like?
To me, Trials felt a lot like a second Championships, only that meet was selecting the Olympic Team, not the National Team.  There was a little more pressure, but otherwise, it wasn't much different.  
5. You made it to London as an Alternate.  Was it like having the Olympic Experience as an alternate?
It was a great experience being an alternate for London.  I wish I would've had the chance to compete, but being able to go to the Olympics, as a part of Team USA definitely made the whole thing worth it.
6. You won the Stuttgart and Glasgow World Cups at the end of 2012.  How did that help you going into 2013?
Winning both World Cup meets in 2012 definitely let me know what to expect this year in terms of what the meets would be like.  Not only did it give me more confidence for competing internationally, it also helped me in knowing how I'd have to adjust to the different equipment and time zones without much trouble.
7. Can you talk about your injury that has effected you for the majority of 2013?
My hip injuries were a major setback in 2013.  I lost about 6 months worth of training, so I wasn't as ready as I would've liked to be at the meets over the summer.

Lehigh Valley Live

8. What advice can you give to young gymnasts struggling with injuries?
For young gymnasts struggling with injuries, I'd tell them not to just give up.  I've had several major injuries and not once did I ever think that I'd have to go back to a lower level and certainly never have to stop gymnastics all together.
9. You made an impressive comeback at the 2013 National Championships on 2 events.  How did you decide which events to do?
 I decided to do bars and vault at P&Gs because those two events were in pretty good shape to compete, whereas I still hadn't had much training with some of my floor and beam skills.
10. How long were you training your Amanar before you competed it at the 2013 Glasgow World Cup?
 I was probably training my 2 1/2 vault for three months before I competed it in Glasgow.
11. Can you share some upgrades for 2014?
 Even though nothing is certain, I've been training a full-twisting double layout on floor, a half-on entry vault in preparation for a second vault, and an uprise stalder-full out of my Maloney on bars instead of the free-hip I've been competing.

Lehigh Valley Live

12. At the 2013 National Championships you were joined with young talents Christina Desiderio and Molly Frack.  What's it like to train with other elites?
 It's great training with other elites. We all know what each other are going through and we have a lot of the same goals, which makes it easy to stay motivated. It's also nice training with the younger elites because I've already been through what they're going through, so I can help them get through tough times and let them know what to expect. That way they're ready for everything that gets thrown their way.
13. You recently signed your NLI to Stanford.  How did you decide where to go and will you be deferring?
 Stanford was one of my top choices for college ever since I started looking at schools, and I knew gymnasts that went there who told me great things about the school, so I knew a lot about Stanford even before I went to visit. I decided to go there because I felt that Stanford is a great academic institution with a great gymnastics team. I haven't decided yet whether or not I'm going to defer until 2015, but I still have time to think about it and make that decision later.
14. What are your goals for 2014?   

 My goals for 2014 are to compete in more international meets, including another World Cup meet, so I can have a chance to bring home more medals for team USA.

Lehigh Valley Live

Interview with Alyssa Pritchett

Alyssa Pritchett, the former standout star from UCLA has been busy the past couple of months since her college career ended in April.  The walk-on who became a key player as an upperclassmen, has been training with the hopes of qualifying as elite for the first time.  I got the opportunity to talk to Alyssa about her past at Wildfire Gymnastics in Tustin, California, and UCLA, and her current training at Waller's GymJam Academy in Santa Clarita, California.

Daily Bruin

1. You walked onto the UCLA Gymnastics Team. Could you talk about how that differs from being recruited and the walk-on process.

Actually, I was a recruited walk-on. My junior year of high school Miss Val called up my gym and asked to meet with me. At the meeting she offered me a position on the team. I knew going in that there was not a scholarship position available, but UCLA was always my dream school, so giving up scholarship opportunities elsewhere was worth it. As far as the entry process, I was treated the same as any other scholarship athlete. My promised position on the team got me into UCLA (although I did have great academic standing as well), and I received all the same medical benefits as well as free gear, priority enrollment, free tutoring, etc. The only obvious difference between a recruited walk-on and a scholarship athlete is that I relied on student grants and loans to pay for school. 

2. You were apart of the team in 2010 when UCLA won the National Title. Was there anything different in the atmosphere leading up to the Championships? What was the team dynamic like leading up to and after Championships?

Our 2010 team was remarkable in so many ways. I knew we were going to win that year and not because we had the most talent because we definitely didn't. But we had such a strong team bond and so much heart. We also had some amazing upperclassmen who really led the team to that National Championship, such as Brittani McCullough, Anna Li, Niki Tom, Mizuki Sato, and the rest of the juniors and seniors. After not making super six the previous year due to a tie-breaker we lost to Utah, we were HUNGRY to win the next year. It's the hard work, passion, and sacrifice each teammate brought that year that allowed us to overcome our "lack of talent" with heart. After we won, it was a HUGE confidence burst for our team. That year molded my class to become leaders for the next group coming in. That year set the bar for us to never expect less than #1 each and every year no matter what obstacles we faced. 

3. How did your ankle injury change your mindset and allow you to become a more consistent contributor?

Looking back, that injury was such a blessing. I know that sounds weird, but that injury forced me to take a step back and evaluate what really matters. It forced me to learn how to be a valuable contributor on the team without actually doing gymnastics. It also allowed me to realize I was making gymnastics way too big in my head. I was focusing on pleasing the coaches and making the line up that I forgot to actually enjoy what I was doing. When I came back, I completely changed the way I trained. I realized that at any point, gymnastics could be taken away from me, and I wanted to have absolutely no regrets. Every turn in practice I would look up and take a second to thank God for giving me such an amazing gift. That allowed me to relax and enjoy gymnastics again. That, along with consistency in practice, was the key that allowed me to truly live up to my potential. It was letting go and giving my gymnastics up to God in gratitude that allowed me to have no regrets my last two years. Before my injury, I would tell people I would be happy if I got to compete just one time. After I changed my mindset, however, I realized there are no limits to what I can accomplish.

NCAA

4. After your injury and began competing more frequently in 2012, how did that reflect your hard work in the gym?

It 100% reflected my hard work. I have always been a hard worker, but I have not always known how to train smart. That's why I dealt with so many injuries. I would over-train. When I came back from my injury, I realized something needed to change. I needed to make every turn count because my body couldn't take any bad landings anymore. I had to rely on mental imagery and technique a LOT. Chris Waller was hugely influential in developing me as a stronger gymnast mentally. I realized if I could picture it in my mind, then I could do it. Going into my senior year, I made a commitment to myself that I would be THE hardest worker in the entire country. I may not have the most talent, but NOBODY will work harder than me. And I really believe it was that mentality that gave me the confidence I needed to compete how I trained.

5. 2013 was your last year as a bruin. You won your first event title, established career highs, and contributed to a fourth place team finish in Pauley Pavilion. What was it like to finish your career at home at Nationals?

It was so amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better Nationals. All my friends and family were able to be there, and there is nothing like competing at home in the prestigious Pauley Pavilion. I never felt so much joy and confidence competing in my life. Even though we didn't win, I had absolutely no regrets. I had given it my all, and my team did too.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to continue doing gymnastics?

After Nationals. I remember standing there by our fourth place sign thinking, this can't be it. I love this sport way to much to give it up. I didn't know what I would be doing exactly, but I knew I was not about to quit. I actually even tried to petition for a 6th year since I was injured for most of my freshman and sophomore year as well, but I didn't make one of the qualifications. Competing in PGC only fired me up more to continue gymnastics, and then I thought, why don't I just completely go for it and train elite? So that's exactly what I decided to do. 

Professional Gymnastics Competition

7. What was competing at the Pro Gymnastics Challenge like?

It was SO much fun. I got to meet and train with all the best world and Olympic gymnasts - guys and girls! At first it was a little intimidating, but everyone was so nice, and after I showed my skills in the demo day, I realized I could actually battle it out with them. I loved PGC because its co-ed. The guy and girl dynamic made it so much fun. I made a lot of great friends from PGC as well. It was just an awesome experience. Hopefully I will get to do it again this spring!

9. Your coach Chris Waller coached UCLA Alumni Mohini Bhardwaj to an Olympic Team in 2004. Does knowing he has already helped Bhardwaj achieve her dreams help motivate you to train on hard days?

Definitely. What motivates me the most though, honestly, is that I truly believe God has given me this dream and this talent to inspire others. I want to encourage others and show them what is possible when you have faith. I want to show others that it doesn't matter if your not the favorite, or you aren't the most talented, or you were a walk-on "nobody" like me. ANYTHING is possible if you work hard, never give up, and have faith.

10. What skills are you planing on competing this year?

For floor, I am planning to compete double layout full out and/or double double, piked double arabian, half-in-half-out, and double pike. For the first meet though, I will compete a double layout, piked double arabian, half-in-half out, and double pike.

For beam, I am planning on competing flick lay, front tuck wolf jump, switch side, standing arabian, switch leap to switch half (add back tuck eventually), and double pike dismount. For the first meet I won't compete the arabian, and the dismount might be different.

For vault, I plan on competing a tsuk 1 1/2 and Yurchenko double. For the first meet, I want to compete tsuk full or 1 1/2.

11. Having never competing elite before, what are most excited for?

To  turn heads. I want to change the way people view elite gymnastics. I want to bring some life into the floor routines. I want to change the perception that you have to be 16 to be the best. I want to inspire girls to go after their dreams. I want to achieve far beyond what people think I will achieve. That's what excites me. 

Gymnastike

12. How has your club training changed from when you trained at WildFire Gymnastics to your training at Gym-Jam?

I train completely different now. Before, I would train 25 hours a week or more. Now, I only train 15 hours a week - 4x a week, from 3-5 hours a day. The only reason I am able to train less, yet accomplish more is because I have learned how to train my mind. I don't have to do 50 of one skill to gain confidence. I already know I can do it, so I just need to do a few and make each one count. The only challenging event for me right now is beam because I didn't train it at all in college. But I am making a lot of progression. I have my skills now, and I am working more on consistency. I can't train every day anymore because of all the injuries my body has had in the past. That's why I train every other day... and my body feels great now! Another huge difference is my diet. In club, I ate everything and anything I wanted. It didn't seem to affect me because I trained so much. I not only did gymnastics but I ran track too, so I was burning calories like crazy. Now, since I train less, I eat extremely healthy because I want to do everything in my power to help my body stay in optimal condition and prevent injuries. I have never felt stronger and more in shape in my life. 

13. Is training elite different than you thought it would be?

In a sense yes. At first I thought I wouldn't have enough time to train, since I work two jobs - personal training from 5am-11am, then coaching from 4-8:30pm. But I just had to learn how to optimize my training outside of the gym. Training elite is a lifestyle, not just in the gym. Being an elite athlete means eating well, resting well and training well. It's all about balance and being efficient with the time you have.

14. Did you learn anything from Vanessa Zamarippa's elite attempt in 2010?

I learned how picky they are about the compulsory qualifier. I also learned how different the elite world is from the college environment. It's a lot more serious and even more "political" than collegiate gymnastics. One positive I learned from her experience was that they do value specialists. I know I can be a strong asset on floor especially. My difficulty score is in the 16's - right up there with the highest they have now.

15. What are your goals for 2014?
My goal is to first qualify elite, but after that, I want to win floor at Championships and make the National Team.

Examiner.com

Best of luck Alyssa this season!