Catching up with Shannon Miller

She's a mother, a wife, a cancer survivor, a two time Olympian, and the most decorated gymnast in US history. Shannon Miller has proved throughout her entire life, that no obstacle is too big! From capturing the hearts of young gymnastics fans, to surviving cancer, and promoting women's health and fitness, Shannon Miller is an inspiration to people of all ages! We caught up with Shannon to talk about her life after gymnastics.

How do you stay involved with the sport of gymnastics today?


" I love promoting the sport of gymnastics. Whether it’s helping USA Gymnastics promote a specific competition, the sport in general or helping facilitate Ambassador training for Olympic Hopefuls with the USOC it is always nice to stay involved. I also take my son (2 ½) to a parent and tot class each week to watch him climb, jump and run. I know the benefits of physical activity for children and want him to love being active no matter what sport or activity he eventually chooses. "

What gymnastics skills can you still do? 


" Well, I haven’t done a lot of gymnastics lately. My last competition was about 12 years ago and my last tour in 2008 (after many years off). I can do a handstand and a cartwheel but typically

when I’m in a gym, I’m busy chasing my son. I did do a cartwheel on the beam, the first in four years, about a month ago while filming a social media campaign for Yoplait Smoothie. It was so great to be up there again. Balance beam is my own little world where I’m comfortable and in charge."

What was the highest point in your gymnastics career? Was there a low point?

" There were a lot of ups and downs throughout my career but I’d say my highest was certainly winning gold at the Olympic Games in 1996. My lowest was probably breaking my knee in 2000 during my “comeback.” However, if I hadn’t broken my knee I might have made the team and I wouldn’t have realized how much I enjoy to television side of the Olympics. I try to always find the silver lining and that injury changed my entire career path!"

Where do you think you would be today, if you never became a gymnast? How has gymnastics sculpted your life?

" That’s a big question. I really don’t know. Gymnastics gave me a confidence and self esteem that I didn’t naturally possess. I was able to travel the world and meet new people. It wasn’t just a sport for me, it taught me life lessons. It’s difficult to imagine my life without the influence of gymnastics and the people I’ve met through the sport."

Do you keep in contact with your coaches and former teammates? Have you visited the Dynamo gym lately?

"I do keep in touch with my coaches. Peggy Liddick is now the head coach of the Australian Women’s Gymnastics team and I try to visit Steve and his family when I’m in the area. Gymnastics is a pretty small world which makes it a bit easier to stay in touch with coaches, teammates and the gym world. Unfortunately the Dynamo gym that I trained at no longer exists. Steve sold the gym and name to another coach years ago. He then opened up Stars Gymnastics in Oklahoma when his daughters became involved with the sport. I try to visit Stars whenever I’m in Oklahoma."

What have you been up to recently?

" A lot has happened since I retired from gymnastics. I’m now married with a little boy, Rocco. I launched my company Shannon Miller Lifestyle: Health & Fitness for Women in 2010.  My company is focused on helping women make their health a priority through various platforms including a content based website (www.shannonmillerlifestyle.com), social media, a weekly health radio show, fitness books and DVD’s, etc. My Prenatal and Postnatal fitness dvd’s just hit store shelves at Target and I am the host of the Health & Wellness Channel’s Wish List with Shannon Miller where I travel the country granting wishes to those facing life threatening medical issues. During the Olympics I will be an analyst with Yahoo! Sport along with Summer Sanders and Dan O’Brien. I remain a strong advocate for women and children’s health. My foundation is focused on childhood obesity and currently supports over 7,000 children through our running clubs. I continue to travel the country speaking on the topics of motivation, health and wellness. Last year I faced the biggest challenge of my life when I was diagnosed with a malignant germ cell tumor (a form of ovarian cancer). After surgery and chemotherapy, I am excited to say that I am now cancer free! Last year was a reminder that we have to enjoy every moment and live life to the fullest."

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