Shannon Miller has won an astounding 59 international and 49 national competition medals. Over half of these have been gold. She is the only U.S. gymnast to win two World All-Around Titles, and she is the first American female to medal in the individual all-around of a non-boycotted Olympics. Her tally of five medals (two silver, three bronze) at the 1992 Olympics was the most won by a U.S. athlete in any sport. At the ’96 Games, she led the “Magnificent Seven” to the U.S. Women’s first-ever Team Gold, and for the first time for any American gymnast, she captured gold on the balance beam. She is the first American gymnast to win an individual gold medal at a fully attended Summer Games and cemented her place as the most accomplished gymnast, male or female, in U.S. Olympic history.
Truman: What does it take to be a gymnast?
Miller: A gymnast must have physical strength, flexibility, balance and agility. However, much of that will be learned over time. To do well, a gymnast needs to have a basic understanding of physics, the work ethic to repeat skills and routines numerous times and the ability to remain focused on a task. Most importantly, a gymnast must love and be passionate about the sport.
Truman: When and why did you first become interested in gymnastics?
Miller: I fell in love with gymnastics after following my older sister into the sport at the age of five. I had always wanted to be just like my big sis. After she decided to move onto swimming, I realized I enjoyed gymnastics too much to leave.
Truman: What is the most challenging thing about being a gymnast?
Miller: As with any sport, there are many challenges. And I think each gymnast has his or her own “biggest” challenge. My challenge was frustration. There were times I would get frustrated as a young gymnast to the point that I was unable to listen to the correction the coach was making. I had to learn that mistakes are part of the process. Mistakes are what help you learn.
Truman: What is the best thing about being a gymnast?
Miller: I loved competing for my country. There is nothing like standing on the podium, gold medal around your neck, U-S-A across your back seeing the American Flag being raised and hearing the sounds of my national anthem. It was wonderful to represent something so much bigger than just myself.
Truman: What is your favorite thing to do that is not gymnastics related?
Miller: I enjoy golf and reading.
Truman: Thank you for sharing your story with me!
