BORING TEXT
Catching Up After the Games - Bridget Sloan
Q: What have you been doing since the Olympic Games?
A: I have just been trying to take it easy, but mostly catching up in school and with friends. I have also made multiple appearances in my community.
Q: How was the Oprah experience for you?
A: The Oprah experience for me was a lot of fun. It was so great to see the rest of the team and the other U.S. athletes.
Q: What was it like being a member of the Olympic Team?
A: Being a member of the Olympic team was really special, I set the 2008 Olympics as my goal when I was in 3rd grade. It was an incredible opportunity and experience to represent the United States. The girls on the team were great.
Q: What went through your head when Sam (Peszek) was injured and you had to lead off team USA on floor during prelims?
A: I was really nervous, but I knew what I needed to do, so as soon as I walked out onto that floor I knew what my job was and I had to hit my routine.
Q: You finished 11th all-around after prelims, were you happy with your finish?
A: I was very happy with my finish, placing at the Olympics in the top 15 all-around is incredible.
Q: What was it like winning a silver team medal?
A: Winning the silver medal was one of the best moments of my Olympic experience, I felt so proud standing on the podium.
Q: Who was your roommate at the games and how was that?
A: I roomed with Chellsie (Memmel) and let’s just say we are pretty close now. Rooming with anyone for three full weeks is enough to consider her a sister. We were also roommates for the test event in Beijing last fall.
Q: What's next for you in gymnastics?
A: Next for me is training and improving the strength in my knee.
Q: You chose to only do a few stops on the tour, what is keeping you busy these days?
A: Since I’m a sophomore in high school, my parents and I decided it would be better for me to only do a few stops than the whole thing and miss that much school. I really want to work Drivers Ed into my schedule, too!
Q: Did you meet any cool athletes while in the village or on the Oprah show that you stay in contact with now?
A: I did meet some cool athletes -- Facebook is wonderful!!!!
ADVICE Fit tips from Nastia's mom
Anna Liukin of Parker wanted most of all for her daughter, Nastia, to be happy and fit.
Even after becoming the 2008 Olympic individual all-around gold medalist, Anna's goals are still the same for her daughter, now 18, who will be performing in the 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars Saturday at the American Airlines Center.
Anna, a former rhythmic gymnast, talked to us from the World Olympics Gymnastics Academy in Plano that she and her husband Valeri own with Evgeny Marchenko (along with sites in Dallas and Frisco). Here are her five top tips for keeping her family strong.
1 Healthy diet. "We eat lots of vegetables and fruits and drink a lot of water. We love fresh juice, and we squeeze it ourselves at home. I always tell Nastia: 'Your body is like a car. The fuel you put in is the performance you will get.'"
2 Exercise. "When she was small, we used to Rollerblade at the park a few times a week as a family. We also try to set a good example by doing our own individual exercises. My husband, he loves fly fishing. I enjoy jogging and Pilates and yoga."
3 Rest. "We're all pretty good sleepers. And we never cut sleep time for anything. Even now when Nastia is on the road for the 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars tour, she takes little naps in between shows."
4 Listen to your body. "If something hurts, you need to take care of it right away. But we try to avoid medications unless necessary. First we try alternative methods like acupuncture or going to a chiropractor."
5 Enjoy your life. "Even if you eat well and exercise and rest, if you are not happy, a big piece will be missing. Enjoy the moment. Don't forget to stop and smell the roses. If you want to have a cookie, have a cookie. Just don't have five and sit on the couch without exercising!"