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2003WORLD cha~?nsfii~S ..~...Zf!i 2!lJi~ •
August 16-24, 2003 in Anaheim, California at the Arrowhead Pond
A Chat With KIM ZMESKAL Kim Zmeskal won the 1991 World Gymnastics Championships, becoming the first American gymnast to ever accomplish this feat. We talked with Kim recently about her win 10 years ago and what she's doing now. Here's what Kim had to say: USA Gymnastics: What was it like to win the 1991 World Championships in your home country?
Kim Zmeskal: Winning World Championships was incredible in itself. I felt like I was dreaming when my teammate Hilary Grivich shook me saying, "You won! You won!" It was even more special to share it with so many family, friends, and American fans! USA Gymnastics: What are the advantages to having a World
Championships in your home country?
Kim Zmeskal: As obvious as it sounds, I felt "at home" competing in the u.s. There is no language barrier. It wasn't a challenge to find the food that we were accustomed to. The equipment was the same that we competed on the entire season. But best of all, when marching into the arena, we knew that the crowd roaring was in support of every element we performed. It definitely gave me an extra boost of energy with each routine I competed. USA Gymnastics: What advice would you give our USA gymnasts who are training for
this competition?
Kim Zmeskal: Be ready for an experience unlike any other national or international competition they've ever competed in. Americans love to watch other Americans succeed, so its gonna be loud. But when it comes to preparation, stay focused and keep training with August 16-24, 2003 in mind each day. continued on page 28