Nastia Liukin: A Fall, Not a Fail

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 
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