The Pit Activity Book January/February 2016 | Page 16

Nastia LIUKIN

Quotes On Kindness

A time in your career when a kind act made a difference .
“ At 2012 Olympic Trials I fell on my Gienger release move . I remember all of my teammates and coaches , and the entire arena actually standing up and giving me a standing ovation [ despite the fall ].”
“ It made me realize that it wasn ’ t just for my performances and my gymnastics , they still supported me and loved me for who I am as a person . And I think that ’ s why I got so emotional . I was thinking I just got off the bars , and I have absolutely no chance of making a [ second ] Olympic Team , but to see all these people stand on their feet and clap and cheer me on , it was just really heartwarming .”
Talk about the relationship between coaches and athletes
“ I think it ’ s really important for coaches to be kind to their athletes , because as an athlete it sometimes is a frustrating sport when things aren ’ t going your way .
" For a coach to be able to be motivating and kind it definitely helps you progress , whether [ progress is ] making a new skill or moving to a new level or achieving a new goal . Whatever that end goal is , it ’ s important for your coach to really support you .
" And of course it ’ s not always going to be easy every single day , but as long as the athlete wants it , and the coach wants it , and they are together as a team , and both sides are kind to each other , then that is what will take you to great places .”
Nastia coaching at the Professional Gymnastics Challenge
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