The Squeeze - Nastia Liukin: A Fall, Not a Fail

Episode Date: April 26, 2023

Olympic champion Nastia Liukin joins the Lautners to discuss rebuilding yourself after success at a young age and the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level of a sport centered around perfection. Despite being gymnasts themselves, Nastia’s parents tried everything to keep her away from the sport, but her passion and talent were undeniable. Nastia talks about the effects of achieving her “life-long” dream at age 18 and the years trying to find her identity following her “retirement”. She speaks to her 2007 injury and the toll it took on her confidence, as well as falling on her face—a fall she calls the defining moment of her career, and a fall that earned her a standing ovation for the first time. Nastia also discusses her time on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, and talks about the Nastia Liukin Cup, an annual competition offering gymnasts an opportunity to be mentored and to feel proud of their accomplishments—a joy Nastia says shouldn’t be reserved for just the 5 girls on the Olympic team.  Be sure to follow Nastia @nastialiukin and check out nastialiukincup.com  Thanks to our awesome sponsor for making this episode possible:   Babbel — Go to babbel.com/thesqueeze to get up to 60% off your subscription  To email us your questions or share your story, you can reach out to [e-mail].  Be sure to rate, review, and follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode! Plus, follow us on Instagram, @thesqueeze and personally @taylautner and @taylorlautner. To learn more from The Lemons Foundation, follow @lemonsbytay on Instagram and visit lemonsbytay.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Auto-hue with Sunny Cars feels as if the children not be made. Tisel stramble. Zand-vort. Actis-verkeer. Vendantantzican chaotis but who zorgalos

an auto-hurt says, Uno-dos no stress. No idea. Nocted cost. Always full-ledged. So, auto-huees-on-sor-sonder-zorg. Go to your

rise-adviseur or sunnycars. When life gives you lemons, what do you do with them? Over here at the squeeze, we talk about it. Everyone. Hello from me, Tay, and Remram.

Come here. Yeah. Can you say hello, everyone? Anyways. Anyways, how's your Wednesday going? It's going. Yeah? It's going.

We're just busy chugging along. Freaking up it fucking pumping out these podcasts, man. Yeah. I've been loving it. Yeah. I hope you guys listening are loving it as much as we've been loving it because we have. Selfishly, we are having the time of our lives. over here. Free therapy, meeting some awesome people, learning some stories. Taylor's just

kissing the dog over there. Don't worry. And then every now and then we get to talk to somebody that I've been a fan of for a long time. Yeah. And today is one of those days. Yeah. Today we talk with, oh my gosh, I don't have her accolades in front of me, but gold medalist all around Olympic champion, Nostia Lukan. Yeah. I remember watching her in 2008 when I was 16 years old. I was a fan of her then, and I'm still a fan of her now. And it was super cool to have her on the show and just talk about, you know, the Olympics, being an athlete at that level and just what comes with that.

the trials and tribulations, whether it's injury or whatever. Also just like the world of gymnastics. Yeah. Because the world of gymnastics is insane. Yeah. Just so many things you never think of how young they are. Just the perfection that comes along with being a gymnast. Yeah.

And we talked with Nasty about how that translated into her normal. everyday life and kind of just what life has been looking like now and that transition from, you know, leaving the sport that you've been doing since you were so little and now you have all this free time and. Yeah. What was really interesting to me was talking about, you know, the mental health aspect of being in a sport that is centered around being perfect. Yeah.

And when you leave the sport, how, you know, that still is. is, you know, you're not just going to shake that when you've literally, she started at two years old. Yeah. And that's her life. And all of a sudden you stop. And of course, that's going to follow you. So how, you know, that affects you in everyday life. And then also, I was curious, I mean, the prime of a gymnast is so young.

Yeah. And for such a short span of time. Yeah. especially for a female. And I can only imagine like how that would feel like during your young short prime to be on top of the world. And then by the time you're what, 20, all of a sudden you're old and you're out of your prime and you no longer really can do what you love at the highest level and how that affects you. Yeah. But she's doing it the right way.

Yeah, she's such a great outlook on everything. And she's really had to, you know, overcome a lot. And I just really enjoyed our time with her. Like, it felt it was over Zoom, but it felt like she was here. Like, it felt like we were hanging out with her. Yeah. Which was so great. Yeah, she was great.

So hope you enjoy her chat with her. We'll talk to you in a little bit. Hello, Nassia. Welcome to the Squeeze. Thank you for having me. I'm so excited. Oh my gosh. We are so excited to finally be filming this episode. I know it's been, I feel like it's been a little bit of a long time coming. I mean, you are busy. You are a busy person. We made it happen. Yeah. Life happens sometimes. You know, things are just constantly evolving and changing and we're going with the flow the best that we've had. And that's all that matters. We got you. You're not leaving now.

So we start each episode with a little game we call Citrus got real. This lemon jar here is filled with a bunch of questions. Just fun questions. I like to tease people and say they're super intense and scary questions. I got a little like when I get nervous, I do the knuckle, you know. Yeah. Well, you better start cracking. Okay.

I'm going to pull it for you. Okay. Let's see what we got. Go wrong. Oh, God. Oh, no. What is your favorite letter? in the alphabet.

What? Who wrote these questions? You know, I think at this point in my life, I would like to think I've been asked just about every question possible. You guys have taken that to a different level today. Okay, my full name's Anastasia.

I've never really gone by that and I always wish that I did for some reason. I don't know. I guess I'm going to go with A. It's the first letter in the alphabet. There we go. It doesn't want to be first. I guess.

I don't know. Wait, but can you guys answer? Yeah. I'm trying to think if I had to choose off the top of my head, I would probably say R for my puppy Remy. What about Lily? Oh, gosh.

You know, I could only choose one. My gosh. He literally just chose between our two dogs, only picked one. Oh, that's even worse. Well, there's two parents, so you can choose L. See, I was going to say T

because it's both of our names. That's what I was going to say. And then I was like, maybe that's just too, like, much for me to say. But if you didn't say it, I was like, okay, actually, I will do L because Lily, but also and also your name. Yeah. There we go. There it is.

Boom. Well, then I won't. Wait, you did L? Yes. I'll do L2 then. Because of my last name. Why not? Okay.

That's true. I like to be included. Lutner. You want to jump on the L train or are you going to stick with R? No, no. I'm saying with R. I'm not leaving Remy. What a start.

Oh my gosh. I mean, by the way, we should like, we should be starting something because Luka and Lautner has a freaking ring to it. Yeah. It kind of does. Mm-hmm. Double L's. Yeah. I love it.

That could also mean like double loser. Let me maybe not. Okay. I want to go back to the beginning because I actually don't. I, we've done some research and I know a lot about you, but I don't know this. And it probably is the first thing it says on your Wikipedia. and I just skipped that part. But back to the beginning.

As one should. Both of your parents were gymnasts. So I can imagine you started at a pretty young age. How old were you when you started? So honestly, that might be like more difficult to answer than the alphabet question because. So I was born in Moscow and both my parents were, you know, yeah, World Olympic Champion gymnast. And when I was born, my dad was still actually training and competing. And so I kind of spent, you know, my first few years just in the gym because he was there for eight hours a day.

And it was like a place to spend time with your newborn, I guess. And we moved to the United States when I was about two and a half years old for basically, I guess, two reasons. And the first being they always had a dream and a goal to coach, you know, want to hold. hopefully open up their own business in school and coach their own athletes to becoming maybe one day World Olympic Champion gymnast. They never ever imagined or wanted to do that with their own daughter. Oh, wow. They wanted the complete opposite.

And I'll get to that. And then the second reason was to give me the best possible life that they thought that they could. And at the time that that's where they thought that they would have the best opportunity to do so. So we actually moved from Moscow to New Orleans, the week of Mardi Gras. Oh, my gosh. Yeah. And my parent, I mean, my mom had me when she was 19. So, you know, super, like, didn't speak the language.

Literally didn't even have a savings account. Like, no money, just a dream. And it truly, like, looking back at it now, and of course, you know, I had the best childhood. And I was nothing but happy and, you know, all of the things. And I think I never realized that, you know, know, they couldn't speak the language. They didn't have money. They just had this dream because they were so fueled by that passion and that dream.

You know, they built this gym with their own hands from the ground up. And I, you know, they couldn't afford a babysitter. So basically, after about nine months in New Orleans, we moved to Dallas. And that's where they started, you know, like starting the gym and their team. And they tried so hard to get me not to fall in love with the sport. And they literally would, my mom would take me to piano lessons almost every day. And I would cry every day because I just hated it. No offense to any conditions or anything.

But it was just, it was not for me. And it was also, you know, taking time away from me being in the gym. And for me, it was a huge playground. Like literally what little kid, you know, doesn't want to just run around on, you know, the bars, the beam, the trampoline all day, every single day. in like just like live in a leotard. And so, but they kind of just like resisted realizing that I was starting to really love it

and they wouldn't like let me really go in the classes or the team or anything. They just kind of would like be like, okay, honey, go play. And so, you know, within like, I mean, gosh, probably months maybe, they started realizing that I was just trying to copy and mimic the girls that they were coaching on the side

And I was doing everything better than the girls that they were coaching, just on my own, just like trying to copy. And they were like, okay. Like that's, okay, got it. So they were like, fine. You know, you can like start in like the little preteam and then the team. And I started competing when I was five years old. And, you know, they saw how much passion and love I had for it. And then they also saw, obviously, I had some pretty good genes and a God-given talent.

And they kind of were like, okay, we would never take. that away from you. But we will never push or force you to do this because this has to be your thing. And it's already, you know, they weren't even thinking the Olympics, but just being the only child, you know, of two Olympic gymnasts doing that sport, like I can't imagine how much pressure, you know, maybe that they felt even just like putting me into gymnastics, basically. But for me, it was, it was so much fun. And, like, just something I truly loved. And I think that was the most important thing for them was to teach me the importance of finding a passion in your life.

And gymnastics was that for me. Yeah. Wow. What an amazing story. I know. That was a better answer than I thought I was going to get. I thought you were just going to be like five. See, see, I told you not to read Wikipedia.

You don't get that story on Wikipedia. I know. I'm kind of the same with like one day when we do have kids, I, you know, am going to obviously support whatever they want to do. Yeah. But I'm like definitely crossing my fingers. It's not like acting. Yeah.

I mean, I feel the same. I also feel like I don't know how you how you feel about this. But for me, gymnastics, I'm biased. I get that. I'm biased towards a sport. but I do believe, like, trying to remove myself from it. It is a great sport, like a foundation, right? No matter what you do as a child and, you know, so many people start as a kid just doing

gymnastics classes and it teaches you flexibility, strength, like so many different great qualities that you can carry on to other things. So that being said, it's almost like you want to introduce or like, you know, bring them to the gym. But then you're just like, oh, but like don't really like it too much because you might be good. Just learn the lessons from it. You're like, oh, no, honey, we can only go once a week. Like, you can't have a day.

You can't get too good. Yeah, exactly. That's so funny. No, I'm the same way. Now, I am that way with martial arts. I started martial arts when I was like six. And I would be in full support of our kids. Well, that's that, speaking of great quality, you know, things to learn and great quality.

I'm like, I should have. Maybe I should take something up. Like self-defense, right? I guess. I don't know. No, there's so many great life lessons that you learn in something like gymnastics or martial arts. And I mean, so many others, but, you know, that you can carry on to your everyday life. And I wouldn't want my kid to become a professional martial artist for the rest of their life.

I don't know. But like, oh, maybe tennis or golf or, you know, something. Yeah. I just got this visual of like, of you and our kids all back flipping and me. just like standing there. Okay. I've literally just got a visual of you with like little children flipping. I can, I can see it.

I'll send the leotards if it's a girl. Okay, great. Done. Little pink leotards. I'm down for that. Oh my gosh. Yeah. That's so cute.

It's a cute visual. And then they'll probably also be able to like kick the crap out of me. So with their martial arts. So something as you guys know that has been a huge part of. of my mental health journey, Taylor's mental health journey journeys as individuals, and as a couple, has been therapy. Amen. And that is why I am so excited to share our next sponsor with you guys, which is cerebral.

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No, you can do it on your lunch break. You can do it before work, after work. And it's honestly just convenient. Yeah. It's convenient and they have great therapists. Yeah. And it's, it'll just keep you accountable too. So we highly, highly encourage that you guys check out cerebral because therapy is just done wonders for us. And we know it'll do the same for you. To get started on your path towards better mental health, cerebral is giving our listeners 15% off their first month of online therapy, medication or both. Get started at cerebral.com slash podcasts and use code this. squeeze to make 2024 your best year yet. That's C-E-R-E-B-R-A-L.com slash podcast and use code the squeeze.

Offer is only valid on monthly plans. Other exclusions may apply. See C-Sight for details. Get going on that therapy. Growing up in that world, through your parents, starting at 5, and competing at the highest level of a. sport that, and this is probably a big question, we're just jumping in here, but competing at the highest level of a sport that is centered around perfection, completing everything perfectly.

Did that ever affect you personally outside of gymnastics? Because I could imagine. Yeah, I mean, to be completely honest, it still does. Yeah. And I would say it used to maybe affect me more and maybe a negative way. I think now, you know, with time and with, you know, experiences and learning and just like understanding, I'm, I've tried to learn to embrace that, I guess, like as much as possible. because it is a good quality to have to want to work hard and to be the best and, like,

you know, achieve your, like, best capable self, whatever it is that you're doing and not, you know, be lazy. Like all the things that your parents teach you just as like a child, you know, like work hard, do your best and that's all that matters. And, you know, I think that I obviously have done that my whole life but to an extreme. And so then it's really hard for me to sometimes. like separate that side of me because it was like it defined who I was for so long that when it was over I had no idea who I was and so it was trying it was basically

relearning life you know I was 18 and had achieved my quote unquote lifelong dream okay at 18 your life is like not it's just beginning and so here I was not knowing like not knowing like what my interest and passions were, what I wanted to do when I quote unquote grew up. Like I never in my mind even like imagined or thought about life past 2008. It was literally like 2009 in my mind. Like it didn't exist because I didn't even not that I didn't allow myself to go there and think about it, but it was just like there's no reason because you know, this is all that I really care about right now. And yeah, maybe that, like, led, you know, helped lead me to the success that I had. But it, it truly was a little scary

after. Like, I remember standing on the podium with a gold medal around my neck, listening to the Nasha Anthem and, like, crying, smiling, so many different emotions and, in feelings. And one of those being, what now? Mm-hmm. I literally achieved my, quote-unquote, lifelong dream, pinnacle of my, there's nothing really more that I can achieve in this sport, like on a greater level, there's really nothing. Yeah, you can keep going and keep competing. But, okay, great, now what?

You know, it's like, and so I think I was so lucky that my dad was my coach. My parents were, you know, involved, but not like it involved in like a stage parent kind of way, but they had been through it too. And, you know, it was very, very different when they competed from Soviet Union. And it was just like you got home after winning, you know, gold medals at the Olympics. Congratulations.

Okay, move on. And, you know, there was none of like, there was no making a career out of it then. And that's not why I ever did the sport. But then when that side of it kind of like present, like when opportunities present themselves, you obviously, you know, want to take them. And so I think it was a very conflicting time in my life of feeling. kind of like, not like worthless is kind of like a strong word, but I remember it took years, like at least five years probably for me to be able to, you know, get ready to go to bed

every night after a day of not training seven hours a day and not being so exhausted, I can barely walk up the stairs and not being so, there, I had no fulfillment in my life because I associated fulfillment with being, you know, exhausted and, you know, like, in a good way, but, like, working so hard to try to achieve this one huge dream. And so it was really, really hard for me to even, like, feel proud of anything else in my life. Little things or big things, like, after that for a while. I think, you know, obviously so much time has passed now that I've been able to. to grow a lot as a person and through the experiences of the last decade or more.

And it is, it's a strange feeling, though, of like feeling like you almost lose your identity. Yeah. For sure. Because it's dedicated to something your whole life. And that's all you're known as, right? And maybe you can relate. But I, for years and years and years, it was, oh, you're, oh, the, you're the girl, the, the, the gymnast in the pink leotard and the matching pink scrunchy.

Like, yeah, I did wear a matching pink glitter or the matching pink scrunchy, but the moment that actually one of my greatest mentors was Kobe and he put it in the best way, you walk into a room and you are scared that people only see you as the gymnast in the pinkleotard and matching pink scrunchy, right? And I was like, well, my, I don't know if I'm scared.

And he was just like, okay, you are way more than that. Gymnastics is something you did. Stop letting that define you. You're putting yourself in this box of you're doing that to yourself. Like, put those walls, like break those walls down and step outside that box because you are not, don't say you are a gymnast. You did gymnastics. Like, and there's a big difference between saying, you know, I'm a gymnast. I'm an act, whatever, and just saying it's something you do or did or enjoy because then that way,

it doesn't feel like it, like is so heavy and it defines who you are as a person. And so when he kind of told me that, I remember thinking, well, yeah, why didn't I think of that? Yeah. Yeah. You know, and he obviously shared so many examples of when he retired and then, you know, moved on to the next chapter of his career. And he would say, like, every single single. time people would say like, just go sit down.

Like, all you know how to do is shoot a hoop. And he was like, okay, watch me. I'm going to, you know, do this and I'm going to do that. And I'm going to win. And like, even though maybe he was best at basketball, he didn't allow himself to put himself in that box. And so that to me was just like eye opening to see one of the greatest of, in my opinion of all time.

He's so successful in one thing and continue to be. successful in other avenues and passive life. Absolutely. And so I think between that and then, you know, what my parents obviously taught me was great. We're so proud of you. But like, we love you more for who you are than, you know, the accomplishments or the medals or not medals that you win.

And I think it was the people around me that kind of helped me realize that, you know, I am there is more to me than the gymnast and like your worth isn't ever going to be defined by an accomplishment, a success, a failure, a relationship, a job title, like none of those things define who we are as humans. Yeah. Hoof. I just sorry about that.

No, I felt like I just went to therapy if I'm being honest. Yeah, I thought that same thing. It's crazy when you like kind of break it down a little. little bit more, right? Because it is this like large thing that weighs on you. And it's also, I don't know, like not to speak on behalf of anyone, but it is something for me, I am proud of that. Like I don't want to like control, delete and pretend that never happened. But I think it's like, okay, cool. Like put a check bite. Move on. Like, you know, there's more to life. And if there's not for somebody, then it's like, okay, then maybe that's when, you know, you might have a problem.

I don't know. We're actually need to, you know, kind of reevaluate what to you defines, you know, happiness, success, like all those things. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, this is why I personally and selfishly love these conversations so much is because they, I mean, talking to people like you, I mean, it just, I feel like it, teaches me so much about myself as well.

Because I think there's a rebuilding phase with people that have experienced, you know, success at a young age, you know, in martial arts, I was a four-time world champion by the time I was 12. And that's like not normal. But for you, that was normal. You know what I mean? Yeah. And martial arts was my first love.

My second was acting. You know, by the time I was 20. had, you know, starred in one of the biggest franchises of all time. And then you finish that and you sit back and you are like, okay, you know, that was, that was great, but I am only 20 years old. And I'm probably never going to touch that again. And it does affect like, you said it. It's, I didn't feel worthless.

But I felt like, what am I going to do? That's even close. to as great as that. And you feel like nothing will ever kind of like top that, right? Yeah. And that I think is what was scary to me. Like you guys have obviously experienced an incredible wedding. Congratulations.

But I think like I remember even thinking like, gosh, I hope one day I get married and I hope that I'm like as happy, you know, as I was when I was winning the oldest. And that sounds so crazy. you actually like say it out loud, but that was like a fear. Like I worked my whole like will I ever feel the level of like that sense of accomplishment and and pride and all the things that you feel when you're on top of the world literally. Yeah. Yeah.

Like will I ever feel that ever again? And I think that was truly my biggest fear was I didn't want that to be the greatest thing. that I did in my life. And I don't mean by like a success, like, you know, a title, a monetary standpoint, like none of those things. But it's a feeling. You know, it's a feeling of. Yeah, absolutely.

Yeah. I just think it's so the identifying as that is so. Yes. I think it's so bigger than a lot of us think that is. We've been talking a lot about it on the podcast with a few other guests. Just like when you have success at a young age and you. I've been doing this job or sport or whatever it may be. And then you get a little older.

And then you don't do that anymore. It's like, well, that was like what I identified as, but not even just myself, what the world viewed me as. So how if the world thinks I'm this, then I must be that. But I don't know if I am that. And if I'm not giving the world that anymore, then all of a sudden I'm a failure. Yeah. A hundred percent.

It's like, and I think the most. most important thing, like, is to have that person or that those people in your life that allow you to truly be you and love you for who you are, right? So not because of what your, the second paragraph on your Wikipedia says, but for the story that's not on Wikipedia, you know, for the, for the heart that you have. And I think it took me again, and I had to learn that with time and even, you know, it's one thing like when your parents like, oh, well, we still love you. And it's like, yeah, you're supposed to love me. You know, but it's like you're right.

Like when the world identifies you as that thing, you truly are like, gosh, I mean, I didn't have social media at the Olympics. I don't know if I like, I can't imagine doing all of that and then like going through that process with TikTok, Instagram. Like, you know, I had like a Facebook that I had to lie that I went to a real high school because I went to private school. That like wasn't like, it was when you had to like register your school first. And, you know, it was, it was hard enough dealing with it in my own head and then just like

the internet like just articles, right? Like no social media. And so yeah, it's, it's an interesting kind of like trans. like transitions are hard regardless, in my opinion, no matter which transition of your life. And I don't, I think they're equally as challenging. So it's like you can't even compare anybody's transitions to each other's because we all deal with things differently.

But identity in my opinion is an interesting one because it's, you know, you are like, wait a second, but I'm so much more than just that. Yet the world fell in love with me for being. being that. So if I want people to like me, because obviously, no matter if you're a people pleaser or not, we all want, you know, people to like us. And also what's right, quote unquote, right. Because there is no right and wrong. You know, it's like trying, it's what you feel is right. And so, yeah, it's a strange feel. Like, honestly, it's like going back to it a little bit too.

it's like oh gosh glad I'm not you know there anymore because it's it's almost like sad you know because you think that people are only going to love you

if they know that you did you were this person right and you're like well what about just like me here today yeah that's so true yeah so in 2005 you were a world champion and then fast forward a little bit

2007 you suffered a series injury. How did that setback affect you? So that was the first time, I guess, in my career that, you know, up until then, I had won two junior national titles back to back, all the events, two senior national titles back to, like, I was the favorite going in to the Olympics in 2008. And having that injury, it was like, honestly, at the time, it was devastating. Like, I cried every day. And I was like, oh, my God, my dreams are going to be open. And it's like, you still have a year. It's okay.

And it's just, it took a lot mentally because it's very similar to when you're the favorite or you're the best or, you know, everyone loves you, whatever. It's easy to be on top, right? It's not easy, but it's easier to kind of be on top and think when things are going your way. Now, when you have, you know, bad year of competing because. of an injury. But it happens to be the year before the Olympics when you're supposed to be the best in

your life, that was mentally, let alone physically, like that actual physical injury. I knew I was going to be able to get past that. But mentally, it affected me so much where I was like, wait a second, now all these people don't believe in me. And now they're saying at 18, I'm too old to make the Olympics and I'm too injured and I'm too washed up and I'm and there's girls that are just better than me and good luck even making the team, let alone winning a gold medal. And I was like, but just like a few months ago or last year, they were like, oh my God, she's the greatest thing ever and she's going to win all

these medals. And I was so that was the first time where I was like, oh, that's interesting. Like the way that people's one bad, you know, day, bad competition, whatever, and everything can shift. And so gosh, I'm just like so grateful for my parents. in those moments especially because they were like, okay, you can either let somebody that you don't even know that like you're not, they're not even talking to your face, right? Like they're either writing an article or whatever it is.

You can let their opinion because that is their opinion. No one actually, like that's not a fact that you're quote unquote too old, right? Like they're like you're not. You can let that really, really like define the next year of your life and you probably won't make the Olympic team if you do, right? But they're not in the gym with us every single day, seven hours a day, six days a week, you know, doing everything possible to be the best that you can possibly be. So they're not on this journey with you.

And their journey's not going to be affected one way or the other. So let them talk. Yeah. And just kind of, and my mom actually had like a really good point was like, pretend you're a horse at a horse race. Put your blinders on, you know. you just like go. Like you know what your path is.

There's always going to be noise. And especially now social. Like, but I think if you have a goal and I think that was a huge thing for them too, for me to find passion and to have a goal. And if you have that goal, just forget about what everyone says when you're like focused and lasered in on it. I mean, it's easier said than done. Yeah, for sure.

back at it now, but in the moment where, you know, again, and I'm such a, I'm a sensitive person. I'm a people pleaser. I just want everyone to like me. And like, especially when I was competing, like, younger. And, and I think seeing that, like, the immediate shift was like, wow. Like, it was really, like, what did I do to hurt you, you know? Like, you almost feel like you want to say sorry. But that being said, it became the moment. where I think like, I truly believe we learn the most about ourselves and we get stronger, physically, mentally, emotionally, all the things, uh, in times of, you know, whether, I don't like to use the word failure really because I, I think it's, it's more so what you

learn from that experience or that, you know, point in your life. And I think that kind of time period really helped me like, be like, okay, you know what? you're right. I'm going to literally do everything possible now for the next 365 days to know that end of August I can look back no matter what the results are and say, I have no regrets. I did absolutely everything I possibly could. And I think that was, even to this day, is really the only fear that I have. It's the what if. You know, what if I would have tried? What if I would have done, you know, one more. rope climb or ran one more mile or one more beam routine. Like it's, it was always like, okay, if this is what you're supposed to do, do it, don't, you know, you don't want to think what if. Yeah. I don't like the word failure either.

And recently we had a friend of ours and an incredible person on. And he said, I didn't fail. I fell. Yes. And, you know, what do you do when you fall? you get back up and you learn from it. 100%. I loved that so much.

Yeah. That's so cool. Okay, I have a question because I'm wondering if you can relate to this as well in a similar way that I do. Especially being like a sensitive person, somebody that like cares about people. The prime of an Olympic gymnast, I feel like especially female is so young. and, you know, so short. I know what it's like when you're at your peak, you're at your prime, for everybody and their brother to care about you,

give you all their undivided attention, act like you're going to be a priority forever. And then all of a sudden, when your prime hits a lull, people seem to disappear. What happened? You made me feel like this. And I mean, it's, and it really, it affects you. It affected me.

I'm wondering if you ever went through anything like that. You know, even just like having conversations like that knowing that, you know, I think it's been a while probably for both of us. But I think like you feel so alone and you feel like nobody else is going through it or has gone through it. And it's like, okay, wow, then maybe I need to be better because if people now are, you know, not caring about me and not, you know, there when I actually need. Like, it's me, right? Like you truly feel like like you're not to go to Taylor's stuff, but like it's me. I'm the problem.

Like it's not like everybody else. Yeah. And I think like the biggest lesson, this actually goes back to the point you previously just set about falling. So four years after I won the Olympics, I tried to make my second Olympic team. And this time, you know, going into Olympic trials, I was the reigning Olympic all-round champion, a lot more pressure, a lot more expectations, like all those things. I mean, you know, similar.

You make one incredible movie and then like the next time you're expected, right? You're expected to be not just as good as you are, but even better, right? with time. And I remember, you know, already kind of being my, I had a torn labrum in my shoulder and and my rotator cuff. And I didn't have time to get surgery. So it was like, okay, you're either going to like compete Olympic trials or you're not and like go get certain and you're done. But again, that like fear of like what if I would have tried. And so I did. And I knew I was going to be in London at those next Olympics one way or the other, whether I, you know, had made that Olympic team, whether I was working in some capacity or just sitting in the stands watching my teammates.

And on my very best event, the uneven bars, I fell off the bar, flat on my face. And I remember laying there on that mat, like literally flat, thinking, first of all, what am I doing down here? I should be finishing my routine. Then immediately just being so embarrassed, so mortified. I wanted to crawl underneath the podium. And I remember that my dad, the dad instinct immediately kicked in him and he was like, you can be done, walk, like, are you okay?

Like, I just want you to be safe. And I was like, yeah, I'm fine. My, had a mild concussion. But I told him, no, you always told me no matter what you do, you always have to get up and finish what you've started. And I knew that in that moment, my Olympic dreams of making that second team, it was over.

There was no way I was going to make it. And it wasn't just like me being negative. I just like that was the fact. Yeah. And I had never felt like so low thinking how many people I had disappointed and embarrassed and like all those things. But yet I wanted to finish on my own terms, I guess. And I got back up, finished my routine, landed on my feet on my dismount for a routine that didn't matter. And for the very first time in my entire life and career,

I had a standing ovation for the worst routine of my entire life and career. Wow. I just got chills. Wow. And I think that was the moment for me that I realized people will still love me if I'm not the best. If I fall on my face literally or figuratively, you are not going to be defined by a gold medal or a placement or a bar routine or a fall or a dismal or a skill or. or making a team or not making a team, a job title, a relationship, a salary,

none of those things define who we are as humans. But up until that moment, not because like anyone taught me this, I just kind of like put this in my own brain that people will love me because of moments, like you said, when you are on top and you see everybody almost obsessed with you, that's what you associate success and love and like that feeling with, right? And so you think that people will only continue feeling that way if you continue staying on top

and if you continue doing all those things. And so seeing 20,000 people on their feet for literally the worst routine I had ever done in my whole life, I honestly was confused at first. I looked around the arena and I was like okay, who else just went? And like, yeah, literally. And nobody was going on any event. I was like last in that rotation. And I was like, wait a sec, like, they should not even be clapping.

Like, I thought my score's going to come up and it's going to be so bad and how embarrassing. And I just remember that. Like, I still remember that moment. Like when I won a gold medal, no one was standing on their feet. You know, people did the come out of the woodworks. They were happy for you, that congratulating you, all those things, of course.

But nobody, nobody can relate to that. Nobody can relate to being the best in the world or, you know, the most love, whatever, whatever that pinnacle of success is for you

or for anybody, that's not relatable. But when you fall flat on your face, in front of 20,000 people, millions watching, you know, at home, it's a meme,

I guess, whatever. now and you get back up and you just, you keep going, that is what people can relate to. Yeah. Because we're all going to fall in our face, whether it's literally like I did or figuratively, right? And it's how do we get up and keep going when we absolutely don't want to? And it's really hard.

And I think that was the first time that I also realized, like the word failure doesn't really in my mind exists because somebody could say, I failed to make that Olympic team or that was a failure and, you know, whatever. But that became the defining moment of my entire career. So how can a failure become that, right? It's not. It's not a failure. It's an experience in a moment and a lesson that like I take with me for the rest of my life. And yes, like winning the Olympics kind of taught me, okay, work hard, don't give up, don't quit, you know, all those things that we all know, and that are, you know, pretty cliche. But yeah, sure, that made me realize like dreams can come true.

And it's amazing. And we all want, you know, success. But it just kind of taught me, like, surface level things. Yeah. Yeah. And yeah, that moment just truly, like, made me. realize that, okay, if the world can still love me when I'm flat on my face, then, you know, life is, it's going to be okay.

Yeah. Wow. I like got me emotional, like painting that story. I was, I was there. I know. Oh my gosh. Yeah. It's, it's crazy.

It's like I don't remember, like, I remember, obviously, most of my career, but like, there's certain moments, I'm sure, for both of you, too, like, just in your life that you go back to and you can literally feel as if you're there. Like I got a slight headache thinking about that. But it is actually funny. So my boyfriend, right when we started dating, he had no idea. He like was sending like that meme to somebody as like a like,

you know, like a gift, if like on a text. And I was like, um, maybe we find a new one. You know that's me, right? And he was like, are you kidding me? That's you?

And I was like, uh-huh. He was like, oh my God, I've been sending that to everyone for years. And I was just like, awesome. I love you too. I mean, it is kind of good. Like, honestly, it's literally just like, like smack. I mean, I got to be honest with you. The first thing I'm doing, I don't know.

But the first thing I'm doing when we finish this is going to find it. Like, you have to, you too. Like, I mean, it's. Oh, no. And I feel like me being able to kind of like, not make, not laugh at it, obviously. But like, yeah, kind of laugh at it. make light of it is it was kind of like, so I mean, in the first thing you're taught as, at least as a gymnast is how to fall because, you know, it can be dangerous. So it is literally like

when you look back at that, like I paid attention to that. Like I paid attention to what my dad told me when he said, this is how you fall. You fall flat. I like bounced up and then I don't know why like I had this instinct to do like this little like leg kick with and then I like fix my hair. And like everyone was like, what were you doing? I was like, I don't know. I was not mentally and right like mindset to be thinking what I was doing next. But yeah, it is, it's a funny one. He has not sent that one to me yet.

So I'm like, that's when you probably know things are not going. Oh, my gosh. I mean, it's hilarious. Yeah. The beautiful thing about life is it's not one day. It's not one month. It's not one year. So, I mean, that story is literally the.

perfect example of falling but not failing. Yeah, absolutely. And I think that's like, you know, just something that I think we can all take away from when we have a day that just kind of feels like from even the slightest levels of not feeling like we're productive or got through your to-do list or, you know, whatever. Like, it doesn't have to be on an Olympic level or anything like that. You know, I think it's, uh, it's, it's just. a great reminder that people will still love you, you know, when you're not on top of the world.

And I think it took me, you know, I wouldn't have fully believed it to that capacity. Unless I had that, that moment. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's true. We kind of touched on it already, but I want to hear just a little bit more about, you know, like gymnastics was your entire life, you know. Yeah. Eat, breathe, breathe, breathe. Yeah, I don't know. It was everything.

Eat, breathe, sleep. Yeah, gymnastics was everything. I had a shirt like that. Oh, that's cute. You retire, and then it's kind of like, okay, well, that's not what I'm doing anymore. What were those few months, maybe even years? What was that like on your mental health? Like that transition.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It was hard. because I feel like it honestly took years. It took years to even, and it was literally, so that was my last competition, falling on my face. It was my last competition.

Literally the next day, I got a call, you know, from NBC asking me to go to the Olympics and start working for them, whatever, but like that was great and all. But it, it didn't, I needed like almost healing. Like I didn't know how to even. so many different like aspects. So I was coached my whole life, right? I was told what to do, you know, how to eat, how to sleep, how to work out, how to literally

from my day, from start to finish was, was scheduled, planned. Every single thing revolved around just trying to be the best gymnast that I could be. And so I remember thinking, and at this point now, I'm like 22, I guess. So, you know, I had graduated high school the year before the Olympics. And then ever since I was really young, my parents, specifically my dad, I remember like at 10 years old, he was like, you know, no matter what you do, you know, I really would love for you to go to school one day and get your, you know, get an education and get your degree. Like, you just never know gymnastics is such a short live sport. And you never know how far your gymnastics career will take you. but like I think your,

an education can stick with, you know, you know, for the rest of your life. And so I remember at 10 just being like, oh, okay, like, sure, you know, like I'm not thinking about that right now, but sure. And I moved to New York City literally a few months after that. I started, I got accepted to NYU and I started school in that January semester. And it was honestly the hardest, but the best transition in the best four years of my life in the sense of figuring out who I was as just as a person.

Wow. Right? Like just removing any titles, any, like anything, like removing all of that and just being me. Yeah. I mean, I didn't even know, like, I didn't know how to make friends. Like, it sounds silly, but it's like I remember walking into every class and, like, like just being like, God, please don't recognize me. Please don't like, you know, my phone name's Anastasia.

And I tried to go by Anastasia in school because I just didn't want people to like, again, go back to like the past of like only wanting to be my friend because of something I, you know, did a few years ago. Yeah. And but then the professor would call me Anastasia and I was just like, as if like no one was there because I never went by that in my life. So I was like, shoot, okay, that's not going to work. And I remember the first day of class, like January, walk out of my apartment building.

It is a blizzard outside. I walk up, my umbrella flips upside down. And I am like, don't even know where my classroom is. Monday, 8 a.m. calculus. Haven't been in school in seven years. And I literally just stop and I start falling. And I call my dad. And I go, I want to come home.

I don't want to do this anymore. And he goes, that's, you know, that's too bad. because you signed your lease on your apartment for a year. So if you want to come home when you're, you know, here for Christmas and transfer to SMU or wherever you want to go, that's fine. But like, basically like tough love.

Yeah. And I was like, I'm calling mom. And my mom's like, listen to what your dad said. And I was just like, shoot. And I think that it was, it was really a lot of character building and a lot of just, you know,

growing up in Texas and, you know, being an only child and being. able to be selfish about, you know, training and, and sleeping and eating and, like, people doing stuff for you all the time. And all of a sudden, I was, like, on my own trying to figure out how to, how to cook and how to work out. I remember walking into, like, an equinox and was like, oh, God, what do I do. Yeah. Like, I literally was so intimidated because I didn't know, like, I've, I had never worked out in the gym like that. Like, we did rope climbs and press handstand, like, gymnastics.

conditioning, obviously. And I literally walked in, kind of looked, and I felt like, I just felt like everyone was staring at me. No one was looking at me. But I just felt that way. And I literally walked out. And I had to really relearn pretty much everything. It was kind of scary because you're wondering, like, is that the right thing?

Or should I not be out too late? You know, because I have, it's like, and I'm like, okay, it's all right. you're like mid-20, like, you can do what you want, you know? It was a lot of just, like, talking back and forth with myself. Yeah. In a not weird way, I guess, but it's because I was always, clearly words of affirmation for me, that's one of my love like my life was always, you know, kind of centered around, you know, whether a placement or like just worked, like a good job or that was good or corrections or whatever.

And so I was like looking for that in every other area of my life where it didn't necessarily always exist. It was a challenging transition. But I think New York for me in that moment was the perfect place because nobody cares who you are. Like literally like I think that for me I saw how driven everybody in the city and like the energy. You know, like I'm good. I'm put a check by it. I'm happy to never live there again. Like it was like a, I love visiting now, but I think, I mean, never say never, who knows.

But I think it's a, it's definitely a character building city. And I think you see like and feel the energy of, you know, people are so driven to be successful and to do, you know, whatever it is. Whereas, you know, it's a little different in my opinion. Like I lived in L.A. after that. And, you know, maybe the drive because of the different industries, you know, can feel different at times, right? And so I think for me in that moment, I knew I was going to be so influenced by the people around me,

the setting, the environment, like all of those things that New York kind of just, because I was going back and forth between UCLA and NYU. And I just, I don't know, I just kind of listened to my gut. And I was like,

I can go to LA next if that's what I want. And I ended up doing so. But, you know, I met my best friend at NYU. you and literally she literally I came up to her. I basically like made her be friends with me and we like joke about it now because like I didn't know how to make, be like literally didn't even know how to talk to people without. My fear was like, oh, so and still to this day honestly, like on a plane when someone's

like, oh, so like what do you do or like something? I'm like, oh God. Like, you know, I'm like, I don't even know what to say like still sometimes. And I every time I'm like, I really just need to, you know, get my like. something down and then I try to lie. And then I'm like, I can't lie. What am I? You know, it was great when I was in school because I was like, I'm a student. That's funny. Yeah. But my best friend at the time, I was just like, hey, when I go to Europe and study abroad? And she was like, I don't know, maybe I got asked my dad. And I'm like, oh, right. Like I'm,

you know, I like was paying for my own education because going professional as an athlete, that's your hope. And I was like, okay, right. So can I get your number? Because I'm going to need to know. And she's like, I just met you. Like literally, she's like, I just met you. And I was like, okay, so when, but when do you think you can like let me know by? And she was like, you were freaking crazy.

And like, you weren't going to let it go. So I was finally like, okay, fine. I'll give her a chance. Oh, my gosh. And like, it's, she's amazing. Like, she's in fine. Like, we could not be more opposite. And I think it's like the best, like, when I introduced, I was like, I'm nausea.

She goes like, I know. Me and every single person here in our girl. And I was like, oh, God. I was like, really? I just wanted a friend. But yeah, I think it just, it taught me a lot about life, you know? And it sounds like crazy. But when you don't experience normal things because.

A, you're just so like a horse with blinders on and nothing else matters and nothing else exists or you physically don't have the time. That was an interesting kind of chapter in transitioning in my life. And I think it was like the best, honestly, because it just gave me a chance to step outside the world of gymnastics for me, right? And just live in a world where nobody cares that I was a gymnast. And that was the greatest thing, you know, just trying to live life and figure out who I was and figure out how to work out in a normal gym. Yeah, all the simple things you never think about.

Yeah, it seems like it really served its purpose. I can definitely relate to a lot of that. And then I think what like dating too, like I didn't date. Like I was training, you know. So it was a lot of, you know, right when I thought I may be. you know, had had my one big, like, quote unquote, not failure but fall. I, you know, met my ex-fiance at the time and, you know, thought everything was like butterflies and rainbows and all the things. And we had an amazing relationship. And it just, we like kind of grew, you know, apart. I grew so

much in that moment. And he was like so perfect in that moment and at that time. And just growing apart. it was like I remember like feeling almost even like worse than when I fell on my face thinking another quote unquote fail, right? Like how like I kind of just felt like everything again I was living almost that fear that year that I had at the Olympics when I won where it was like is there ever going to be a moment even equally as close to this like like big enough to. or like just am I, will I be proud of something enough to celebrate it?

And, you know, my engagement ending, like it just kind of felt like it was one thing after another. And I was like, okay, you're putting finally like once, you know, time heals and in all of that, but I'm putting that on myself again. Like, no one was telling me these things. And I think like that's going back to the beginning. of being a perfectionist, right? You want everything in your life to be perfect.

Yeah. You know, again, just because you have success in one thing and that was as close to quote unquote perfect, you know, as you could have ever hoped and dreamed about doesn't mean, you know, your value or just yourself worth is any less when you're not winning an Olympic gold medal or you're not on top of the world, literally, physically, mentally, emotionally. Yeah.

And that's the, like, most beautiful, in my opinion, the most beautiful thing about, like, the journey of life, you know, the ups and the downs and those falls, they surely teach you a lot about yourself and life. Um, quickly before we get to our last question, which is about something awesome that you do. We watched special forces. Oh, my gosh. Can you give us anything?

How was that experience? Oh my God. Okay. I mean, I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I kind of was like, okay, but this is like still a reality TV show. Yeah. It's a celebrity edition. Like, you know, like you kind of are like, okay, it's not going to be like. There's got to be some sort of fluff here.

Yeah. I mean, where's the craft, where's crafty? You know, like there's got to be something, you know, and. Or a private. bathroom. Oh, God. Like, literally within the first five or ten minutes, I guess. And the thing I think, too, that was really hard watching it back.

Like, because we filmed it last summer. I understand. Like, we are, like, constantly, like, there's not a moment that we were not on camera, not miced, whatever. So it's like to condense everything into an hour or two each week. Like, I get how difficult that process was. but it almost makes you feel like the experience, like you're like,

wait a second, hold on. We actually had a run for over an hour there. Like it literally looks like a quick job from like show to the front door, you know? I know I thought about that a lot. Yeah. Oh my gosh. Like it was like, and then they quickly run, you know,

that first like when we're all in our normal like clothes and I'm wearing hot pink again, that was also like totally planned. And I remember like, We literally had to run. I forget how long it was, but we were also doing like burpees and squats and duck walks and pushups, like in the middle of the desert.

Like they didn't, like, it was at least over 30 minutes worth. And it literally looked like a quick little jog to the gate. And I was like, oh my God. Wow. Okay. Well, I was like dying in that moment. Like I'm so glad it looks easy because it was not.

And literally then we had to like strip down literally. And I remember, you know, for me, they have all become family. And I think that's been the coolest takeaway, honestly, from the show. I don't think any of us expected that. You know, you don't really go into something thinking like, this is the most random group of 16 people. There's no way that, like, we're going to have a bond. You know, all of us will have, like, a bond.

We, it's like, we certainly do. And for me, growing up in the era of, like, the spice girls, I remember, like, I'm, like, I'm, like I respect and I like appreciate everyone's like craft and like whatever but like I loved the spice girls you know like as a and like I remember I just happened to like stand in line and like Mel was next to me and we literally in that moment we had to just like strip down and I like we both get like down and we looked at each other and we were like what are we doing? And like she was like I'm in a thong and I was like so am I and I'm on my period.

Like it was like this moment. Oh my gosh. It doesn't get any more raw and real than this. But it made me, again, grow, I think. Like I think the experience was, it made me appreciate my bed. It made me appreciate the nice hot shower and food. And like, but it also, all kidding aside, the level of respect, you know, that I have for the people that serve, you know, for our country, for England, for all. country it was true like for us we left right like we got to go home back to our beds and you know

these incredible humans don't um and so yeah i think not that i didn't you know appreciate and have that respect for special forces before then but it grew to a level it was just yeah it was incredible yeah well kudos to you would kill it on the show i was just about ready to say kudos to you because i would never be able to do that. You know, I think there was something about the unknown doing the first season where it's just kind of like, I feel like now after people watched it, you're either like, oh, yeah, sign me up or you're like, yeah, no chance. But when you don't really know, I think it was better that you didn't know what the heck

to expect. For sure. Because I'm wondering if they choose to do another season, the people that they ask to do it, if they call one of you guys and they're like, how was it? And you tell them, I don't know how they're going to book people. Honestly, I was thinking, and I don't know if they've already done this, but I was thinking that they should have locked people into their contracts before it aired. Yeah.

You know, because then it's like after it airs, yeah, good luck getting 16 people to agree to do. I mean, also, I guess it maybe didn't look as bad on TV. I don't know. It was challenging. Yeah. Just lastly, I want you to tell our listeners and viewers about Nostia Cup because we think it's so awesome. So we just would love you would share a little bit about it. You know, I guess before the Olympics, I was so fortunate to have so many incredible mentors in my life.

And, you know, my parents obviously being some of them. And then just I never realized how it was not normal to have your biggest idols, you know, other Olympic gymnasts that came. before, like, they would just randomly be on my couch. And I thought that that was totally normal. And I was just so fortunate because of my parents past, obviously, that, you know, that was the case. The older I got and the more, you know, like, more I understood that that's not normal. I just kind of always felt like everyone deserves, like, that opportunity to have a mentor

in their life, to have somebody that they can talk to, have someone. you know, that hopefully they can be inspired by. And that was kind of like the initial idea of, okay, I want to, you know, be hopefully maybe for one person, you know, that, that inspiration, no matter what they decide to do, right? It's not necessarily, yes, it's a gymnastics meet, but it's not necessarily about being the best gymnast in the world. It's about the experiences. It's about, you know, telling them about the falls and also humanizing, you know, ourselves. And I think because of social media too, you know, living in a curated,

filtered life sometimes, like it's, they don't see who you really are. Going back to the competition, I also wanted to create something for this next generation to feel proud of themselves. And, you know, with every Olympics, especially now, only five girls make that Olympic team. And the chances of, you know, in hundreds of thousands of young girls do gymnastics and are so talented and so incredible. And they'll never get to experience, you know, that experience that I had at the Olympics when, you know, I had a matching Leotardt on was my teammates and we walked into that arena. And, you know, you felt like you were literally like on top of the world again, like that feeling of, feeling so much greater than just yourself. Like you're now representing your entire country.

And, you know, the feeling of like even just qualifying to it, the qualifying process is honestly a little bit more stressful than the actual Olympics because, you know, it's you have one bad competition, you know, your dreams can be over and whatever. And so anyways, so I just kind of wanted to create something for that next year. generation to kind of feel like this is their Olympic moment, regardless of if maybe one day they actually do go on to the Olympics. You know, this is kind of like the kicking off their careers.

And for some, like they're going like, gosh, I think I forget how many we had this year, but the amount of qualifiers that have gone on to like full scholarships competing at universities and like just having the most amazing collegiate careers, it's been so fun for me. to be able to continue watching and following, like, their stories, like, throughout the process. And so there's 25 qualifying events from January through March. And you have to win one of them, one junior, one senior, in order to make it to the final cup. And, you know, once they get there, I mean, qualifying, the emails and calls and messages I get now, like, people now travel across the country to go to these qualifiers to try to make.

And I was like, I never, it's like insane to me because they now care more about this than even like their national championships. Like to say that you are a Nosti Lovin Cup qualifier. It's like the number one thing on all of the bios. Like I'm like ESPN's on and like, you know, college gymnastics is on. It's like Nossi Lippin Cup call. And I'm like, what? Like it's so crazy to me. Like I literally just wanted to create a fun experience for them.

And, you know, they, I design the leotards every year. And like the purpose of it for them to all be matching too is, you know, at the Olympics, we're always matching. And I remember being 12 years old when I made the national team for the first time and you get like your box of apparel. And it is just like the coolest feeling. You feel like you literally are like a rock star. Yeah. And it's like, I just got four free leotards. And it's just a moment.

And so it's like this reveal. And then based on, well, the morning of, I also like, I try to spend as much just one-on-one time with them as possible, too. But I have a brunch for them where I kindly ask the parents and the coaches not to attend because I just want to, you know, just us to be able to talk for them to ask questions for me to talk to them. And, you know, at any age, but especially that age, you know, if your parents are there, your coaches are there, you're a little bit more.

more like, you know, kind of like maybe guarded. I don't know. And so just having that experience with them. And again, like I now like bring some of my friends. My boyfriend was there. And I think them kind of seeing a little bit of my world and like that I am human. And again, it was just a thing that I did an accomplishment that, you know, is on my Wikipedia page.

Like it doesn't like, I'm still. I would like to think normal. I guess maybe none of us are, but I don't know. I think it's just, it helps, you know, make them believe that, A, they can do it too, but also, you know, we're all just, we're all just trying our best and then also make them feel special. And every year it changes like cities where the final cup is. And this year it was in Kentucky. And so we always try to do something like theme to the cities.

So we got to do the brunch at like the Derby Museum on like Churchill Downs. was just so fun for them to dress. Like, as a little girl, like, especially as a gymnast, you're literally in sweatpants and leotards or seven. So for them, it was like fun to dress up. And yeah, I think, you know, it's the experiences that you have in life that you remember, you know, it's the feeling. It's not necessarily that, you know, that the things on your Wikipedia page.

It's truly the moments in your life that you are just. truly, truly inauthentically yourself and you're happy and you're proud. And I think that to me is kind of a little bit about, you know, what that weekend is. Yeah. Yeah. How cool they get to have someone like you to look up to you. And even I really agree with the whole like seeing your normal thing, you know, not even normal, but it's just like life. There is life after gymnastics. Yeah. A hundred percent. That's really cool. Yeah. You're not defined by this and neither is Nostia Lukan, you know, like. Right. Exactly. Yeah. And it's not about winning. And that's the first thing I tell

I'm like, okay, you did it. You qualified here. Now like have fun and enjoy it because you can't go anywhere from here. Like there's not like another, you know what I mean? And so, you know, just also to be present because I feel like in the moments of competing or when you're on, like, you're so focused on like getting the job done or whatever. Like you kind of like not black out, but like you kind of are just like, you don't really take a second and look around and you don't really fully, you know, listen and look and like kind of those things. So that's kind of what I try to share with them a little bit more of too. Well, thank you so much for joining us. You have so much wisdom. I honestly, I personally learn so much from you. Yeah. So just thank you

for your time. We really appreciate it. I mean, I think it's, yeah, when you can, you know, relate and and hopefully like saying sometimes I think it's like when your parents tell you something and you're just like okay and then someone else tells you and it's like oh whoa hearing it's almost like a different language yeah yeah I feel like uh yeah being able to you know relate and and hear it from someone else like oh you feel that way too okay quite like I'm not like I'm not alone people yeah totally all right well I hope you guys enjoyed that as much as we did thank you Nostia for coming on. That was on my bucket list. So really appreciate it. Before you guys exit out of Apple or Spotify, whatever you're listening to, just go on,

scroll on up to the top of our little squeeze page. You see where the little star is right there. It says rate. Go ahead and press that. And then after you press that, go ahead and press five stars. Oh. Yes.

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Wow. And our beautiful guests we have on. Follow us on our socials at Taye Lautner, at Taylor Lautner, at Lemons by Tay and at the Squeeze, and at Nostia Lukin. And I hope you guys have a beautiful rest of your week. We are very thankful for you. listening to us ramble and hopefully it has some sort of positive effect on you. Just sitting across from each other rambling, talking into microphones. Who knows what we're even saying at this point?

Oh, boy. All right. See you guys next week. This podcast has been brought to you by Podcast Nation.