Wake up every day knowing that today is a new day and only you can determine the outcome of that day. So dream big, accept the challenge, and never look back.
It takes a lot of hard work to achieve your dreams, but nothing in life is easy. If it's something you really want, go after it!
I was terrified of vault, like literally I hated it. I had a fear of running as fast as I could at a solid object, which is I think a normal fear to have because nobody would really want to do that. Once I got over the fear of running into the table I just kind of relaxed and now it's like autopilot. I love it.
I just tell people to listen to your heart. Anything is possible if you are doing something you love.
I like to mix up my workouts to keep them fun and interesting. It makes getting to the gym a lot easier!
I think having the right music can really help you have fun while staying in shape. Make a great playlist that motivates you!
When I was trying out for my first Olympics at 16, my family and coaches tried to regulate what I ate. But the stricter they got, the more I rebelled.
It was probably right after I made my comeback - after retiring post-2008 Olympics - when I finally felt more at ease with my body. Being away from the sport helped put things in perspective.
I'm a firm believer in if you work hard you should play hard. So I try to keep my life as balanced as possible to keep my sanity.
I got a custom-made silk dress from a Chinese tailor for really cheap. I sketched it out on a piece of paper, and they took my measurements and made the dress for me in a day!
I try not to deprive myself of anything. I don't do the low-carb thing or anything like that.
From what my friends tell me, apparently some guys can be pretty intimidated by me when they find out what I do. I find it funny because I try to be modest and I don't like to talk about gymnastics unless I am asked about it. But my roommates always take on my bragging rights and tell my life story to the guys we meet, which leaves me blushing.
I'm a typical college girl; I love to shop and gossip with my roommates about boys and whatnot.
I would live at the beach if I could, and I love dancing.
I'm not the kind of girl who breaks down in public.
It was a dream come true for me to be at the Olympics.
I feel blessed to have an opportunity to try out for a second Olympics team and if it doesn't work out, hey I gave it my all.
I literally tried every sport and was miserable. Soccer couldn't hold my attention. I couldn't figure skate. I'm afraid to swim. So I did dance for five years. It came a time where I was getting a little bit bored with it.
When you make mistakes during routines, it's not easy getting through them.
And I want a gold medal more than anything. I just want a gold medal, so that's been pushing me forward.
As a gymnast, you always wear spandex. Being a teenager wearing spandex? It was tough accepting how my body looked, especially if there was any weight gain.
Beijing didn't go the way I planned and I would have liked to have performed a little bit better personally. After Beijing that is what stuck in my mind. I want a better Olympic finish.
Growing up I definitely looked up to Dominique Moceanu. She was my favorite gymnast and she was on that '96 Olympic team. She was always so fun to watch. I kind of wanted to model my career after hers.
I like that my body is in shape and toned, and isn't too muscular. I feel I still have a woman's physique.
I love chocolate. I like milk and dark chocolate, but definitely not white.
