BEAVERCREEK — Sticking the landing on a dismount is crucial in gymnastics.
But it takes more than the ability to balance on a mat to make it to the top, and Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin was in Beavercreek the past few days sharing her physical and mental skills with aspiring gymnasts.
The 25-year-old Texas native was a guest instructor at GymQuest Sports Academy’s gymnastics camp, working with girls looking for any and all tips on how to become better. Liukin — who won five medals in the 2008 Olympics including an all-around gold and a team silver — was more than happy to lend a hand and a few words.
“I like to be able to give back to the next generation of gymnasts,” Liukin said during a short break on Wednesday. “It’s been really fun for me to share my experiences. It’s fun to see the girls be ambitious. It’s just exciting to be here. I have a huge passion for gymnastics.”
While she was often seen showing the kids what good balance beam form looks like — she was the 2008 silver medalist on that apparatus — she also made sure that the campers know it also takes a balanced mind to be successful.
“You have to believe in yourself,” she said was her message to the girls. “Set a goal … and never be afraid to dream. Never quit on a bad day. That’s something that’s saved me a few times.”
That same message will be delivered in Cincinnati and Cleveland later this summer when she makes stops there as part of her Shine Tour, which is named after The Shine Agency — a sports management business which focuses on motivation, self-esteem and confidence — which she co-founded.
Liukin also stressed that ability will only get a gymnast so far. It takes more than that to be successful.
“It’s not just about talent,” she said. “You have to work hard.”
The gymnasts at GymQuest heard the 14-time gold medalist loud and clear.
“She taught me (gymnastics) can help you later in life with patience, confidence, all that,” said 13-year-old Kiersten Dennull. “It was really cool.”
Rebecca Wiese, 13, learned the proper placement for her arms during a twist, but also picked up on the importance of being in the right place mentally.
“She taught us how to relax and not be all nervous,” Wiese said.
Having decorated gymnasts in Beavercreek is nothing new. Courtney Kupets, an 18-time gold medalist and an Olympic silver medalist in 2004 was at GymQuest last year. Liukin’s 2008 teammate Chellsie Memmel — a three-time World Championships gold medalist — will be in Beavercreek the rest of the week.
“I think it’s always good for these kids to experience working with somebody who went that far in the sport,” team coach Kim Busche said.
The campers — especially the younger ones — agree.
“She’s amazing,” Rachel Wiese, 10, said of Liukin. “She taught us so much.”
Ellie Warner, 9, was thrilled to learn from a gymnast who has “gotten so far.”
“She’s my favorite gymnast,” Warner said. “She’s nice.”