Learn

Please tell us your short-term and long-term goals in the sport.
My short-term goal is really a daily goal - to get done everyday in the gym what my coaches have set out for me to do. My long-term goal is to make the 2004 Olympic Team and win some medals with my teammates. After that, I am really looking forward to watching my wife play beach volleyball in California. I also plan to open a gym with a few of my buddies.

What has been your most memorable moment in gymnastics?
The most memorable moment in my life was the birth of my daughter, but in gymnastics I would have to say it was winning the NCAA Championships with my college team at Ohio State University. Everyone thinks that making the Olympic Team is the pinnacle for a gymnast. For me, training with my college teammates everyday, having them rely on me to hit when it counts, and being fortunate enough to win a Championships title with them was huge.

What are you most looking forward to in your career?
Besides the Olympic Games, I am really looking forward to retirement! My body has taken a pounding in this sport and having surgery this close to the end of my career is not something I planned to deal with. I have dealt with things as they have come along, but as soon as I’m done, I’m done! - I plan to participate in the post Olympic Tour, but as far as competing gymnastics I will retire after the Olympics; I am looking forward to it.

Who is your role model and why?
I don’t really have one role model in particular. It’s kind of funny; I think of a lot of different people for role models and take certain characteristics they have. For example, I admire Michael Jordan for his tenacity, will to win, will to get things done and the way he carries himself. I would also have to say Cal Ripken Jr. These are two guys who really know how to carry themselves, stay out of trouble and get the job done. My parents are also definite role models in my life; for - always staying on me to get things done and supporting me during difficult times. They have made me the way I am today.

Do you have a good luck charm and/or any superstitions?
I used to have a lot of superstitions, but when I blew out my arm, I decided it didn’t really matter anymore what good luck charms or superstitions I had. I still leave the television on while I’m competing. Other than that, I usually don’t shave until the day of the meet, but at the 2003 World Championships, I was forced to shave prior to and we still won a medal, so I may shave early for upcoming meets. Like I said, I used to have a boatload of them, but as years went on and the surgeries kept coming, I gave up on them.

What is your favorite event?
Rings. I love rings. I still love rings even though it hurt me!

How does USA Gymnastics’ relationship with Chevron impact you, your training, coaches, etc.?
Without Chevron it would be impossible for me to train. They help with funding and travel which is huge for a person in my position. Many people think gymnastics is a lucrative sport and in some ways it is and other it is not. Chevron allows someone in my position, with a family, to train 2-3 times a day, without having a “real” job to worry about.

If you could be an Olympian in another sport, what sport would you choose and why?
I would choose Track and Field based on the fact that you compete in a huge stadium with a bunch of people screaming. I watched a couple of T&F events in Sydney in 2000 and it was unbelievable!

• Favorite Movie: The Rundown
• Band/Type of Music: I listen to anything and don’t really have a favorite type. As long as it’s not elevator music, it’s good!
• Book: 3rd Degree by James Patterson
• Magazine: Golf Digest — I read this a lot!