Is she cool, or what?
… You came close to making the 2004 team, but didn’t quite. This year, you’re practically a lock. What’s changed in the last four years?
I’m in a lot better place this time. I have a lot more experience. I’ve been on the last three Worlds teams, and that’s been a big confidence boost. It’s helped me learn to compete with so much pressure. I had the skills in 2004, but it was all a maturity thing. Now I’m ready.What kept you going after the disappointment of 2004?
It was really hard, and hard to watch the Games knowing I could have been there. I took some time off and evaluated what I really wanted to do. I realized I still wanted to do gymnastics, and I still had the talent. The year after, 2005, was my best year ever. I won a world title on floor. So that was definitely incentive to keep going!
The U.S. team won the World Championships in 2007. What does the team need to do to win in Beijing?
I think we have to go in there with a positive mindset. We have a really talented group of girls who have worked really hard. We did it once, so we can do it again. We have the skills to win, we just need the right frame of mind. …
China may have the higher start scores. But they must HIT to stand any chance of beating the vastly more pressure proven USA.
Alicia Sacramone’s iPod Playlist
(via IG)
Gymnastics Coaching.com 