Wendy Bruce | Finding Happiness

Wendy Bruce is no stranger to pressure. As a member of the 1989 World Championship team and the 1992 Olympic team, Wendy knows all to well what it's like to compete on the world's largest stage. Today, she shares her experiences with athletes as a mental toughness trainer and coach--a role that has brought her peace and happiness in her life after gymnastics. We caught up with Wendy to talk about her Olympic experience as well as her job as a motivational speaker and mental coach!

How did you get started in gymnastics? 

I started at a local club in Fort Lauderdale. Back then it was more about flipping and having fun. I didn't have any particular inspirations, just the girls in the gym, I always looked up to my older teammates. 

You were a member of the 1989 World Championship team, your first major international assignment, what was that experience like for you? 

I don't remember anything about the competition. I remember rooming with Chelle Stack, meeting the Canadian Team, wearing make-up for the first time, listening to Martin Gore, and bonding with my teammates. I remember the coaches cooking for us, because the cook wasn't there and we needed food. 

At what point in your career did the Olympics seem like a real possibility to you? 

I always had it as my dream. I would always answer everyone's questions of "are you going to the Olympics?" with a yes. I don't know if I was stupid or ridiculously smart, but that was just my plan as a kid. I didn't think about it everyday, I just knew that I was training to be better everyday. 

Can you talk a little bit about the selection process for the 1992 Olympic team? A lot of people believed the process was a bit unfair. [Note: Kim Kelly was named to the team after trials, and then taken off at a later camp in favor of a gymnast who didn't compete at the Trials.]

When I think back, I don't remember if I truly understood that the "camp" was a new selection process. I thought that it was for Michelle [Campi] and Betty [Okino] to show they were healthy enough to earn a spot. I thought it was between them, and one of them would make it. My coaches didn't tell me much about things. I knew I had to look good and hit, but I don't think I was ever worried about not making it. I am not sure if everyone was told exactly what the deal was, I just know that it was shocking that Kim Kelly was the one left behind. I didn't think her spot was in danger, I truly thought it was between Michelle and Betty. I thought everyone looked amazing at the selection camp, I just don't know if I truly understood that we all went in with a clean slate. After the camp, I realized it. 

I think the worst thing about the selection procedure was that I never saw Kim again after that day. We didn't know what was going on with all the media, we were kept pretty isolated. I know that it still haunts Kim every four years, but I wish she knew how much we love her. We were all kids, and just wanted to go to the Olympics. I do think our team did it's job and in the end, everything worked out. 

The team went on to win the bronze medal at the Olympics, were you satisfied with that result?

I was. I had no expectations on what I thought we we were going to do. I just wanted to hit my routines. It was different back then, we were six girls from four gyms, we were strangers competing together for the first time. I only really focused on myself. We only competed together one day as a team and then everyone split apart again. Me and my coaches and family were beyond excited, we couldn't have asked for anything more.  

What was the comradery like with the team? Nowadays, the girls have camps and the internet to keep in touch. Are you friends with any of your teammates today? 

We are now. I didn't know the girls on my team. I spent a month with them, but it wasn't a fun time. We trained, ate, and slept. The tour was strange too, I felt like a background dancer to the star. We left the tour with hugs and then we never really talked again. 

I didn't get back into gymnastics until 2009. My business partner David Benzel, Growing Champions for Life, and I started speaking at gyms across Florida. We talked about what parents, coaches, and athletes can do to compete with confidence. We started speaking at USA congress and it was the first time I had really met everyone again. It was wonderful. I had felt so isolated, unwanted, and obsolete in the world of gymnastics. Being back into the mix felt good, like I was at home, but not as a gymnast, but as a family member. I was able to meet all the coaches and competitors from back in the 1992 era. We told stories and it was great to have new relationships with everyone. I only really met Betty and Kim in November of 2015. Betty and I were at the Ranch for a Brevet course and Kim was there with Ragan [Smith]. We all connected like we were long lost sisters. The internet and the ranch is so important for the girls. They have very deep, meaningful relationships with their teammates, we literally had to send a letter by mail or call them on the phone to find out what they were up to. There was such a feeling of disconnect. When USAG brought us all together for trials, I was so happy. They gave us an opportunity to make these teammates our friends. I finally met Dom [Dawes], her kids and her husband. It was so important for me to know that they liked me. I know that is what the girls feel these days, they do love each other and respect their gymnastics. But us old timers never really knew our teammates. 

What was the atmosphere like at the games? Looking back, what are some of your favorite memories?

It was intense. We trained everyday, two times a day for a month. I wasn't used to that type of training and I was exhausted. We didn't get to experience the village much, we were super focused on training. After the team final, I didn't make any more finals, so then I walked around, went to some parties and enjoyed Spain. 

What was life after the Olympics like for you? 

Life after was not what I thought it was going to be. I had trained my entire life for this one moment, and then when I got it, I was lost. Now what? I was standing on top on my mountain looking out on my career and marveled in my accomplishments and then when it was time to move forward, I had no idea how to get down. I had no help, no directions, no plan. I didn't know what I wanted to do, who I was, or even what I was capable of. I knew I was a gymnast and won a medal, but didn't know that my medal wasn't going to provide me with any of my answers. I was lost, depressed, and bitter for a long time. 

Did you have any regrets? 

No regrets, not one. I tried to make a comeback in 94, mostly because I was lost and the only thing that I knew was gymnastics. So I went back to my old life. I thought the answer was trying to win a gold medal this time. Maybe the gold would have the answers. But after about 6 months, I realized that I didn't want to do gymnastics anymore, but I didn't know how to live without it. 

Was college gymnastics ever something you considered?

I took money for training so I lost my eligibility. I also was so focused solely on gymnastics that I didn't take my ACT or SAT. I always looked at college gymnastics as a sisterhood that I never got to experience. I went back to college 10 years ago and had to start with remedial classes. I just finally graduated with my degree in Psychology in 2013.

As an athlete that once made the decision to turn professional, what are your thoughts on young gymnasts having to make such a big decision before they are fully able to grasp the pros and cons of it? Also, what advice would you give to a gymnast who is trying to make this decision? 

I don't think it's about gymnastics success per se but more about using gymnastics as a platform. It's should be more than making money off of sponsors or the tour because that won't last too long. All my post gymnastics life, no one was asking for me to represent their companies. After the tour I never made money for appearances again. I do think it is important to know if the gymnast is marketable beyond those two years after the Olympics and each gymnast must weigh the odds. If the gymnast is looking to only make money on immediate sponsorships and the tour, then it might be better off for them to opt out of going professional and decide to go to college instead. How much money is college and how much will you make from sponsors and the tour?  Unless you're Simone [Biles] and well, making much much more. 

Let's take Laurie [Hernandez]. I do think she is different. She has spice and sass. She can be marketable because she is Laurie. People know her because of the Olympics, but she may be able to continue to gain popularity because of new things, like DWTS. I can see her doing commercials with those eyes. She has that it factor as well as an Olympic gold medal. She is outgoing and someone who might have been a star no matter what. I see Laurie as a Disney star. I am introverted and not so much the DWTS type of person. I get it, I'm not that marketable for ads and no one knows me, and college may have been a better option for me. Now I use my Olympic status to work with other athletes. They know I reached the ultimate dream and I know what is like every step of the way. I don't think it's that cut and dry. I think each athlete needs to make their own decisions on going pro.

How did you get into mental coaching and motivational speaking?

Mental coaching is the most rewarding thing in my life. I love my husband, Trucky, and my kids Cameron and Sammie, but helping athletes believe and love themselves is internally rewarding in a way I didn't know I needed in my life. Talk about my purpose in life...this is it. I wasn't the perfect gymnast, I had fears and doubts, yet wanted to make the Olympics. I had this constant battle going on in my head of what I wanted and what I truly believed I was capable of. I knew my goal was to be an Olympian, but did I really believe I was capable of it? My thoughts weren't the most empowering for an athlete, but I didn't know that back then. I didn't know that my thoughts were the wrong thoughts for an Olympic hopeful. I only learned about the mental side of sports after the Olympics when I went to see a Mental Trainer when I was trying to make my comeback in 94. From that day, I knew I wanted to work with athletes on the mental side.  

What is the biggest piece of advice that you like to share with young athletes?

The results will never bring you happiness, happiness comes from the process and the journey. Do gymnastics because you love to fly and flip, or because you love to challenge yourself and push yourself past your limits. Don't do gymnastics because you think that you will find happiness in success. Making the Olympics and winning a bronze didn't make me successful. I am successful because I learned how to overcome my fears, push myself past what I thought I was capable of, and learned how to make mistakes and move on. I learned how to be successful because of gymnastics and learned how to push, fight, work hard, and reach my dreams. My medal is only a physical representation of my work. Who I am is what that work created.

Appreciate the journey each of us are on, some of us will go to college, nationals, worlds, and the Olympics, but that does not mean that those who don't go are worthless, unworthy, or beneath anyone else. Know who you are and that no matter what the outcome, it is only one chapter of your story. The rest of the story is about the struggle, the work, the pain, tears, accomplishments, and successes along the way, and those are the chapters that are exciting. Gymnastics is what we do, not who we are. We chose gymnastics because we thrive on excellence. That is what makes us great. Use those tools in your life, chose excellence and strive for it everyday.

Have you been following the Olympics? What are some of your thoughts from the competitions?

I LOVED the men's energy and fight during the team finals. I could feel their passion. The women are phenomenal. I have mad respect for them and their coaches. It isn't easy to chose the elite life these days, but the athlete/coach team seem to keep everything in check. It will be interesting to see life after Marta. I know she was a calculated director, but I think she will be a warm hearted and loving now that she won't be in charge. Ya know like a strict mom, but when that mom becomes a grandma, she lets the grandkids eat cookies, stay up late, and not make their beds. I think that will be Marta. 

Want more? Wendy has a lot of interesting and insightful stories on her website. Click here to check it out!

2016 Olympics | Highlights from Women's Qualification

The United States Dominance 
The United States come into these Olympics as the favorites to win gold. During the fourth subdivision of Qualifications, they showed the world exactly why they are the favorites. For the first time in Olympic history, the US team not only qualified at least one girl to every final, but they did so in a dominating fashion-- taking the top spot on each event. To nobody's surprise, the US heads into team finals as the number one team, finishing a whopping 10 points ahead of the second place qualifier, China. For the all-around competition, the 3-time reigning World Champion Simone Biles will look to officially sweep the quadrennium with the one thing she's missing--the all-around Olympic gold. Aly Raisman, who finished fourth in 2012, will try to gain redemption and secure her first all-around medal on the World or Olympic stage. The vault final is the only final that the USA only qualified one athlete (simply because no other athlete competes two vaults on the team.) That athlete is Simone Biles. Simone does two very difficult vaults and if she competes how she normally does, she will easily get a medal and likely gold. On bars, it will be the reigning uneven bar World Champion, Madison Kocian and the reigning Olympic all-around Champion, Gabby Douglas. Madison qualified into the bar final in first place with 15.866 and Gabby qualified in third with a 15.766. It will be a tough competition, but it's very possible for the US to secure another medal here as long as they hit. On beam, it will be Simone Biles, who qualified in the top spot once again with a 15.633 and Laurie Hernandez, the youngest member of the team, who qualified in second with a 15.366 after delivering a rock solid performance. The last final will be the floor final which features the reigning World Champion on that event with Biles and the reigning Olympic Champion on that event with Raisman. Biles topped the field with a 15.733 and Raisman was right behind her with a 15.275. With so many medal possibilities on the horizon, Rio is shaping up to be the USA's most successful Olympics ever in history.



Flavia Saravia and the Brazilian team  
The reaction from the home crowd was much anticipated heading into these Games and during Qualifications we witnessed it first hand. The energy in the arena was like no other when the Brazilian women took to the floor in subdivision 3. It's unusual to see a gymnastics crowd so rowdy... up on their feet and cheering loud, even when there was mistakes. As expected, the crowd really loved their hometown girl Flavia Saravia, who lives within walking distance to the arena. She won over the crowd with her fun floor routine and exceptional beam work. Saravia qualified into the beam finals in third with a score of 15.133. The draw for event finals has her going last, which will be an exciting way to wrap up that final. The Brazilian crowd will have plenty more opportunities to cheer on their team; Brazil qualified to the team finals in fifth, Rebecca Andrade and Flavia will compete in the all-around final (Andrade qualified in 3rd) and of course they will get the pleasure of watching Flavia on beam in the beam final.



Tutya Yilmaz Almost Making Beam Finals
A new fan favorite following Qualifications is Turkey's Tutya Yilmaz. She gained a lot of respect from the gymternet after nailing a rather difficult beam routine (6.3 start value) for a score of 14.500! Her score withheld all the way until the last subdivision where she was eventually knocked down to 11th place, just two spots shy of making the final. In a sport that is typically dominated by the same countries time and time again, it's nice to sometimes see contenders from countries that don't have top gymnastics programs. It's also nice to see athletes hitting their routines when it matters most. I mean, how cool is it to have your best beam routine at the Olympic Games? Fun fact: Tutya is only the second female gymnast to represent Turkey at an Olympic Games!

Türkiye'yi artistik jimnastikte temsil eden @tutyayilmaz'ın denge barındaki performansını izleyemeyenler için pic.twitter.com/b7lkDYFCbd

— Koray DURKAL (@kdurkal) August 8, 2016

Eythora Thorsdottir Defines Artistic Gymnastics
Although she fell during her floor routine in Qualifications, Eythora still displayed a truly beautiful and captivating routine complete with stunning turn sequences and dramatic facial expressions to match her dance. Fans will get to enjoy Thorsdottir's floor routine two more times these Olympics as she is qualified to the team final with the Netherlands team and the all-around final.

Ellie Downie's Perseverance
Despite having a scary fall that resulted in having to walk away without completing her floor routine, Ellie returned to the floor for the final event of the night to help the British team secure a spot in the team final. Right after the fall, in which Downie landed on her neck, worry filled the arena and the minds of viewers at home as Ellie was taken off the competition floor. However, Ellie informed the coaches that she was fine and came back strong like the fighter she is to compete not just one vault, but two, with the hopes of qualifying to event finals. Her courageous performance qualified her to the all-around final and helped Great Britain qualify to the team final as well.

Oksana Chusovitina. Period. 
From the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, the 41 year old Oksana Chusovitina hasn't slowed down. It's crazy to think that many of the gymnasts competing in Rio weren't even alive when Oksana was competing in her first Olympics. Now she is on her record breaking seventh Olympics and still keeping up with her competitors, some of which are the age of her son. After her performance in Qualifications, Oksana has qualified to the vault final with the hopes of winning her third Olympic medal. (She won gold in 1992 and silver in 2008) She played it safe in Qualifications to secure her spot in the final, but Oksana is capable of competing one of the most difficult vaults in the sport of gymnastics-- a front handspring double front. If she successfully completes that vault, Oksana could find herself on the medal podium.

 

Five Potential Breakout Stars of the 2016 Olympics

With the 2016 Olympic Games less than a week away, all eyes are on the stars of USA Gymnastics; mainly Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and Gabby Douglas. These ladies are household names, appearing on every cereal box, commercial, and magazine cover you could imagine! You don't have to be a gymnastics fan to understand the hype that is surrounding these athletes.

But what about some of the other gymnasts who might be flying under the radar? With a lot of top gymnasts claiming most of the attention from media, it's easy to forget about some of the other truly talented gymnasts we will have the pleasure of watching in the coming weeks. While it is expected that Simone Biles will sweep up most of the gold medals at these Olympics baring anything serious, there are plenty of athletes still in contention for the remaining medals. Here are five athletes who we think have the potential to burst onto the scene and steal some medals...and maybe even your heart! 

Laurie Hernandez | USA

16 year old Laurie Hernandez may be the youngest and most inexperienced member of the US team, but that hasn't stopped her from exemplifying poise and confidence every time she steps out on the floor. This first year senior competes like a veteran! Even when she makes a mistake, Laurie has an uncanny way of covering it up and continuing with the flow of her routine, a trait that certainly helped land her a spot on this team despite the incredible depth of USA Gymnastics. A third place finish at the National Championships and a second place finish at the Olympic Trials proves that Laurie is currently one of the strongest all-arounders in the country. If Laurie is given the chance to compete all four events in qualifications at the Olympics, she could certainty advance to the all-around finals and contend for a medal. Her next best bet for a medal (outside of the team) will come on balance beam, where Laurie is without a doubt one of the best in the world. Her level of consistency day in and day out is almost unrivaled and she has the difficulty to back it up. (6.5 D score) Depending on how the competition plays out that day, Laurie could find herself on the podium! 

Flavia Saraiva | Brazil
Flavia Saraiva may be tiny, but don't let that fool you--she has a big presence out on the competition floor! The 4'4 athlete is a bundle of joy and a natural when it comes to tumbling and the presentation in her dance. Seriously, the home crowd is going to eat her up at these Games. She is the perfect combination of both power and grace and has a natural star quality about her. She has been a fan favorite in the gymternet since her international debut at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games where she placed 2nd all-around, 2nd on beam, and 1st on floor. This year at the Olympic Test Event, she helped team Brazil qualify to the Olympics with a first place finish. She also took home a gold medal on the floor and a silver medal on beam and in the all-around. Born in Rio in September of 1999, Saraiva couldn't have asked for a better Olympics to be eligible for.  Flavia is likely Brazil's best hope for a medal, as she is world class on both the balance beam and floor exercise. Solid performances in qualifications could advance Flavia to those two finals in addition to the all-around final. Regardless of whether Flavia brings home a medal or not, I'm positive she is about to become the darling of the games!



Ellie Downie | Great Britain 
17 year old Ellie Downie is ready to make a splash in her first Olympic appearance. Training alongside her older sister Becky, who is a 2008 Olympian, Ellie likely knows what to expect going into her first games as she saw it firsthand with her sister 8 years ago! However, she is no stranger to the pressure of competing on such a large stage. Ellie helped Great Britain to it's first ever team bronze medal at the 2015 World Championships and qualified to compete in two event finals--vault and floor. This year at the European Championships, she placed second with the team and second in the vault and floor finals. Ellie's explosive power allows her on those events and put up routines that rival some of the best in the world. With solid performances, Ellie definitely is in the mix to contend for a medal on either event.



Sanne Wevers | Netherlands
Sanne Wevers is perhaps one of the most unique balance beam workers of the quad. With a 16.4 D score, Sanne's best hope for an Olympic medal will come on this event. where her difficult connections and mind boggling turns leave the crowd in awe practically every time. Sanne is the 2015 National Champion on bars and beam as well as the silver medalist on beam at the 2015 World Championships. To open up the Olympic year with a bang, Sanne won the Olympic Test event with a super impressive beam set, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with on that event. As much as Sanne would love to have some individual success at these games, the main focus for her is improving her ranking with the team after coming off of an historic 8th place finish at last years World Championships! Regardless, I'm sure the fans in Rio will be speechless after her difficult and extremely beautiful beam routine.



Angelina Melnikova | Russia 
It's been a strong start to the 2016 season for 16 year old Angelina Melnikova. This first year senior is the Russian all-around national champion, as well as the balance beam and floor exercise champion. She was also a member of the first place team at the European Championships earlier this year. Melnikova had a pretty steady junior career as well, winning her fair share of all-around and individual event titles at various international competitions. The Russian team has struggled a bit this entire quad with injuries and lack luster performances at some of the bigger international assignments, however, Melnikova could be the breakout star that they are looking for! She really has no weak event, and while it's a long shot that she will bring home an individual medal from these games, the Russian team will rely on her for consistent scores to help bring home a medal in the team competition. This is Angelina's chance to step up and prove that she can be relied on and really make a name for herself.