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McKayla Maroney


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On the 10th anniversary of McKayla Maroney’s final elite competition in Antwerp, Belgium we revisit her 2016 interview. The Olympic and World Champion settles long debated gymternet questions and we find out what caused the physical and emotional breakdown that ultimately ended her elite career. We discuss:

  • If she feared blowback from speaking frankly about her experiences. 
  • The skill she tried that Marta Karolyi told her to never to do again.  
  • The circumstances surrounding her injuries and multiple surgeries.
  • The post-Olympic tour conditions and their effects on her health. 
  • She answers fans suspicions that her injuries are due to poor nutrition.  
  • Some fans claim that All Olympia Gymnastics Center (AOGC) break gymnasts, her responds. 
  • Did the advice she received from her coaches contribute to her injuries?  
  • How she dealt with self identity as she struggled to stay healthy. 
  • Discusses the role of humility and insecurity through the Olympic selection process. 
  • Does she think the men’s team should be more like the women’s program in order to be more successful? 
  • Dealing with criticism on social media. 
  • She describes her personal experiences as an elite gymnast, and their influence on changes she would like to see made at the national team level. 
  • Who does she credit with teaching her that amazing vault technique: her second coach, Howie Liang at Gym-Max or her Olympic coach, Artur Akopyan at All Olympia Gymnastics Center (AOGC)? 
  • Why did she go overtime in 2013 at the Antwerp World Championships on floor

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Matt McClain
Gym Nerd
11 months ago

She’s so impressive as a person. Thanks for reposting.

Trae.martindale
Gym Nerd
11 months ago

I LOVE McKayla Maroney! She is a phenomenal gymnast and person!

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