IN CONVERSATION WITH NASTIA LIUKIN
interview JANA LETONJA
Olympic gold medalist, TV personality and host Nastia Liukin won five medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, including the coveted All-Around Gold medal. She has since been inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame, and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame. This Summer, Nastia will be in Paris, covering the Olympics of a multitude of brands, hosting a myriad of events and activations in celebration of the Olympics.
Nastia, you’re covering the Olympics and hosting many events in celebration of them in Paris this Summer. Tell us more about all the exciting things on your Olympics schedule.
I am thrilled to be in Paris this summer, covering the Olympics for a fashion outlet, hosting a limited series podcast ‘Game Inside the Games’ with the brilliant Dr. Mike Gervais, and hosting events at Team USA House, amongst many other fun things. I’m attending the Games with FIG, which also means that I’ll be a spectator for the first time, which is going to be so incredible to watch the athletes compete. I'm also collaborating with several brands to bring unique experiences to fans and celebrate the spirit of the Games. It's a whirlwind of activities and I can't wait to share this incredible journey with everyone.
What is the most exciting aspect of being at the Olympics in this role, compared to competing at them?
The most exciting aspect of being at the Olympics in this role is getting to experience the Games from a different perspective. As a competitor, you're focused on your performance and achieving your goals. In this capacity, I get to share the stories of the athletes, celebrate their achievements and bring the excitement of the Olympics to fans around the world. It's incredibly fulfilling to be part of the Games in a new way and support the next generation of Olympians.
At the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, you won 5 medals, including the All-Around Gold medal in gymnastics. How special were those Olympics for you personally and for your career?
The 2008 Olympics in Beijing were incredibly special for me, both personally and professionally. Winning five medals, including the All-Around Gold, was a dream come true and the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It was the defining moment in my career. On a personal level, it was an unforgettable experience with the most incredible teammates that I will cherish forever.
dress & jacket H&M STUDIO
tights CALZEDONIA
shoes H&M
headband ADIBA
jewelry ATRA NOVA BY SHEILA B, H&M, EF COLLECTION, BONDEYE COLLECTION, MELINDA MARIA
Winning Olympic medals is something you described as achieving your biggest dream. How did your career as a gymnast begin? What made you fall in love with gymnastics?
My career as a gymnast began at a very young age. Growing up in a family of gymnasts, with parents as World and Olympic champions, I was always surrounded by the sport. My parents, funny enough, didn’t want me in the sport because they knew how demanding it was and more importantly, they wanted me to find something that I loved and that was my passion. When they saw how much I truly fell in love with gymnastics and also had a god given talent with some pretty good genes, they didn’t want to take that away from me.
And not to mention, the feeling of flying through the air and mastering new skills was exhilarating, and it taught me more about myself and life than I could have ever imagined.
What were the most challenging things you experienced as a professional gymnast during your career?
The mental and emotional pressure of competing at the highest level was intense. Balancing training, competitions, and trying to be a teenager while maintaining focus and motivation was definitely a challenge. 7 hours a day, 6 days a week, since I was about 10 years old. But I would have never ever traded it for anything. It absolutely took many sacrifices, however, these experiences taught me resilience and shaped me into the person I am today.
You’ve been the lead female gymnastics analyst with NBC Olympics for the past decade. How has the sport changed since you ended your professional career? Are there any changes we’ve been able to see that you wish happened while you were still competing?
Since I ended my professional career, the sport of gymnastics has evolved significantly. The level of difficulty and innovation in routines has increased, and athletes are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The introduction of new technology and scoring systems has also changed the way the sport is judged and presented. One thing I’ve been so grateful to see in the sport, spearheaded by Simone’s bravery, is the greater emphasis on athlete wellbeing and mental health. Seeing an elite athlete as a human being with a heart and feelings is only better for everyone. And I also believe that is truly a reason we are seeing more and more athletes compete longer in the sport.
left
dress & collar DUMEBI
jewelry ADIBA, WALTERS FAITH & BONDEYE JEWELRY
right
dress LE TANH HOA
shoe BILLINI
jewelry MELINDA MARIA & H&M
You’ve also founded one of the most prestigious events in gymnastics, The Nastia Liukin Cup. Tell us more about it, what inspired you to create it, and what meaning does it hold for you.
The Nastia Liukin Cup was inspired by my desire to give back to the gymnastics community and provide young gymnasts with a platform to showcase their talents, but more importantly feel special and be part of something even bigger than themselves, because that was the exact feeling I felt while competing in the Olympics. It was such an empowering moment and feeling that I remember thinking and wishing that more girls had the opportunity to experience that and way beyond just that. It’s a competition that celebrates hard work, dedication and the spirit of the sport. Hosting the Cup holds a special meaning for me because I get to see the next generation of gymnasts pursue their dreams and create their own memorable experiences. It's incredibly rewarding to be a tiny part of their journey and support their growth and development.
One of your goals is to inspire others to set their dreams and empower them with tools they need to achieve them. What is your best advice to everyone on their dreams?
The best advice I can give is something my mom once told me, “Never quit on a bad day”. It’s a simple saying that has stuck with me through so many years and applies to every stage of my life. Everyone is going to have bad days. It’s important to recognize that and not to make an emotional decision on days like that. I’d tell my mom I want to quit and she’d say “Not today.” Finally, when I’d have a good day in the gym, she’d say “Alright, Nastia, let’s enroll you back into public school and find you another activity.” I’d always tell her I had no idea what she was talking about, that I never said I wanted to quit.
dress LE THANH HOA
bra PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONS
underwear COMMANDO
jewelry RETROFETE & WALTERS FAITH
Being active on social media and having launched an influencer business, you get to work with leading fashion brands. How important is fashion to you, and what do you love the most about it?
Fashion is very important to me as it allows me to express my personality and creativity. I’ve been designing my own leotards for every competition since I was twelve. I love experimenting with different styles and trends, and collaborating with some of my favorite fashion brands has been an exciting part of my journey. What I love most about fashion is its ability to empower and inspire confidence. Whether it's through a bold outfit or a simple accessory, fashion has the power to make you feel strong, unique and ready to take on the world.
After the Olympics, what is coming up next for you? What projects do you have lined up for the rest of the year and next year?
I’m excited to dive into a few projects after the Olympics, including my debut podcast, my work on the Athlete Commission for the LA 2028 Games, and honestly, getting in some much needed R&R with my pup Harley.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent NASTIA LIUKIN
photographer ASHLEY CHAPPELL
stylist TRACY SHAPOFF
makeup ALEXIS OAKLEY
hair CAITLIN KRENZ
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
bodysuit COMMANDO
shirt RTA
bra AURELIA INTIMATES
tights CALZEDONIA
jewelry EF COLLECTION, WALTERS FAITH & BONDEYE JEWELRY
dress LE THANH HOA
jewelry BONDEYE JEWELRY & MELINDA MARIA