I can’t believe that we’re about to have the THIRTEENTH Nastia Liukin Cup. What started as a dream of mine to create a space to showcase incredible talent and foster an environment of empowerment and inspiration has turned into over a decade of powerful moments that have surpassed any hopes I had for this little “Cup” of mine.
Every year around this time, I take a step back from the craziness that is preparation for the Cup and I let an immense sense of gratitude wash over me. I let it trickle into every bone, every organ, until I am overcome with the emotion. And I use that to fuel me, and humble me, and ground me. Everything I do is with the next generation in mind, and I hope that I can pass along to them even just one thing I learned along the way.
This year, the Cup is in my own backyard—Frisco! I have so many fond memories in this area. It’s where I spent my formative years training for the Olympics. Every road, every building I pass reminds me of that special time. Sometimes, when I’m driving past certain areas, I get a surge of anxiety thinking I’m late for practice, haha. And by late, I mean 10 minutes early instead of 20. Elite athletics will instill a good sense of promptness in anyone.
I wrote out a list of small learnings and tidbits of advice (besides promptness) on my Instagram, in which I hoped would provide a sense of ease to the young women competing in the Nastia Liukin Cup this year. I thought I’d share here, too, if you find yourself reading:
- Control the controllables. Anything outside of that should not be of your concern.
- Your personal best IS good enough. Striving for something beyond that is not only unrealistic, but also sets you up for disappointment.
- Visualize yourself having the best routine and meet of your life. What steps do you have to take to get there? I can still picture myself competing my Olympic routines, move by move, for each event. Visualize yourself standing on the podium.
- Keep a positive thought, because a positive thought cannot be denied. When you let the negative seep in, it can overpower your mind. Push out every negative thought before it even has a chance to form.
Oh, and one last thing: you’re not defined by a medal. You’re not defined by which place you come in or a job title or anything other than your character. Who you are as a person defines you. Who you are to OTHERS defines you. So, no matter what the outcome this weekend, know that in your heart. And carry THAT with you.
