Was Nastia offered a chance to compete on the hit TV show?
Seems there’s some debate about that in the blogosphere. Here’s the most convincing report that she was.
Diane Pucin, sport reporter for the LA Times, quotes both Nastia and her agent in an article published March 9, 2009:
Like Shawn Johnson, her American teammate and all-around medal rival, Liukin was offered, according to her agent Evan Morgenstein, a chance to appear on “Dancing With the Stars,” which begins tonight. Johnson is on the show. Liukin is not.
For Liukin, 19, her goals for now remain gymnastics oriented. Her tentative plans are to qualify for the U.S. national championships in Dallas this summer and likely for the world championships in London next fall.
…
Liukin said she considered the opportunity to be on “Dancing With the Stars” but realized that if she did the show now there would not be the chance to compete in the major gymnastics meets of 2009.
“It wasn’t doable,” she said. …
LA Times – Nastia Liukin stays focused on competing
Gymnastics Coaching.com 