Over the years, I’ve gradually realized that confidence must come from within, not from others’ opinions, and that it’s impossible to feel satisfied with yourself if you’re constantly worrying about what other people think.
You have to remember that the hard days are what make you stronger. The bad days make you realize what a good day is. If you never had any bad days, you would never have that sense of accomplishment!
If I had tried the Olympics any younger, I wouldn’t have been as prepared as I am right now. But there are definitely a ton of juniors out there, all around the world and in the USA, that if there was no age limit, they could definitely make the Olympic team.
The majority of the things that I do, I’m actually afraid to do, but you just have to have a positive attitude and block out any fears that you have.
I think imperfection is beauty. Instead of being insecure about my muscles, I’ve learned to love them. I don’t even think of it as a flaw anymore because it’s made me into the athlete that I am.
I like Princess Kate. I think her style is really great. She’s really, really classy and always really sophisticated.
When I’m older, I want to have my own workout clothes line, like leggings and cute jackets in bright and fun colors.
My school friends are really understanding and still want to hang out with me. Ever since I was in sixth grade, I was at the gym every day to work out while my friends were getting their nails done or going to the mall. I used to feel left out, but I don’t anymore.
I’ve never been cocky. Even right now I don’t like to talk about the Olympics.
I’m focused now, definitely. I absolutely need to show everyone that I’m powerful and strong and can be graceful and artistic, too.
I was two years old when my mom put me in mommy and me classes. I always had a lot of energy so it was the perfect fit!
I was so happy to go to prom so I could have a mental break because I’ve been working so hard. It felt so good to feel normal for once, and then the next day, I was in the gym again.
I was always really inspired by watching the older girls competing, just seeing other Olympians do great things, and I just really wanted to be a part of that whole experience. And to be able to represent USA was always a goal of mine.
There’s nothing better than going out there and seeing USA on your leotard.
I feel like I’m really blessed and lucky that I have a very good social life outside of the gym, and I have a really amazing family. My parents are so supportive. I have a younger brother and two younger sisters, and they’re really awesome. So I feel like I get the best of both worlds.
Tumbling has always been my favorite.
I really like the retro look. My regular clothing, I like to always keep it classy and I like to kind of be more dressed up more of the time. I’m not really someone you see in sweatpants a lot.
It wasn’t a first place finish. But it was my best, and that’s what mattered.
It’s not whether you win the competition that’s important,” she said. “People will always remember you for the kind of person you are, not just what you do on the floor.
And if someone shows you their true colors, don’t make excuses for them or hope that they’ll change – listen to your gut.