Olympian gold medalist inspires local gymnasts

SPARTA — Recently, Giant Gymnastics had the honor of hosting Gold Medal Olympian Nastia Liukin at their gym for her Shine Tour. \
The Shine Tour is Liukin’s way of sharing her story with girls of all ages, and not just gymnasts, in hopes of inspiring them to strive for their own dreams.
The evening included a talk by Liukin, where she shared her highs and lows in her gymnastics career — including her famous fall off of the bars during the 2012 Olympic trials. Liukin had videos of her career and her personal life, and when she showed the fall to those attending the Shine Tour, the gasps were audible.
“It was impressive to see how Nastia took that fall and got back up again. Getting back up, when she knew her shot at a second Olympics was over, was impressive then, and it’s impressive now,” said gym owner Jennifer Skorski. “She told the girls how badly she wanted to just 'curl up under a rock,' but that she knew she had to finish what she started. That was definitely inspiring to the girls sitting intently listening to Nastia. Getting back up after a fall, in gymnastics or in life, is such an important lesson to learn.”
After sharing her story, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions of Nastia, and the gymnasts on Giant Gymnastics’ Garden Gator team shot their hands up. Meghan Ward of Stillwater asked what her biggest struggle was in her gymnastics career, and Liukin talked about her struggles with vault, and how she was flexible naturally but had to fight and work hard to gain the strength needed for elite gymnastics.
The night ended with Liukin personally meeting each guest, signing autographs of any memorabilia and taking pictures with everyone.
“Nastia was so kind and patient with the girls," event organizer Margaret Witt said. "We had kids here as young as 7, and they were asking for individual and small group photos, asking her to sign their shirts and leotards, and Nastia was happy to do all of it. Nastia and her two best friends, who help her run the Shine Tour, were a pleasure to work with.”
For more information about upcoming events and classes at Giant Gymnastics, visit them online at www.GiantGymnastics.com or call 973-579-9700.