I learned to take those experiences that were difficult in my life and in the adversity that I had overcome to use it for a positive change.

As a competitive gymnast, my life has always been filled with challenges that would ultimately define my future. From day one, I was taught to be prepared at all costs.

In my very first interview, at nine years old, I said I wanted to be an Olympic gold medalist. That was the first time I said it out loud in front of somebody other than my parents.

The time leading up to the 1996 Olympics was the most demanding and stressful of my career. The sport I had loved so much was slowly becoming a nightmare as I trained with Bela and Marta Karolyi the summer before the Olympics.

Autographs and pictures do get a little old, but I don't mind if the people want it.

I was 26 years old when I found out that I had a sister who I never knew existed.

Since my mother is an extremely devoted Christian Orthodox woman, she prayed a great deal and taught me how to pray.