Since you retired from gymnastics in 1997, what have you been doing with yourself?
Well, I started off by finishing years 11/12 and now work at a store at the Melbourne airport. I decided to have a break from studying this year, as 1999 was an extremely difficult year for me in many ways. In the way of exercise, I just joined the gym but still have some back trouble which can be quite limiting.

How hard was it for you to walk away from the sport knowing that you had not yet reached your potential?
It was devastating for me to finish gymnastics, particularly because I was doing so well. I loved the sport and it had been a huge part of my life ever since I was six. I cried all the time when people would ask me about my retirement from training, but I have no regrets about finishing - it taught me a lot about coping with loss.

There has been speculation up until this year that you would try to return to gymnastics, is this true?
If only I could. My back is still giving me some trouble and is the only reason that I haven't come back. I would start training again tomorrow if you gave me the chance but unfortunately, I don't think that is going to happen.

Has your back recovered fully from the injury now?
The problem that I have will never actually heal as there is a high likelyhood that I was born with it. It will settle down one day but at the moment it is still playing up. Maintainence is the key, I guess.

What do you consider to be your favourite moment in your gymnastics career?
All of it. That whole period of my life was a favourite moment. Travelling was always heaps of fun, the Atlanta Olympics was definitely the main highlight of my sporting career but I have so many fond memories of simply training.

How did you feel to have the opportunity to represent Australia in the Olympic Games in 1996?
Honoured and relieved to some degree as all of my hard work had paid off. It was the best experience and loads of fun. I would do it ten times over - if that were ever possible.

What do you feel were the positives that you got from your time in gymnastics?
There are so many. It wasn't until I finished gymnastics that I realised just how much of an influence it has had on my life. It has taught me so much about about my personal limitations, dedication, and independence, plus soooooo much more. I guess it has really shaped my personality.

What do you feel were the negatives that you got from your time in gymnastics?
I don't really think that there are any negatives I brought away from my time in gymnastics.

What do you consider to be your greatest personal achievement - either in gymnastics or in life generally?
I would have to say competing in the 96 Atlanta Olympics, as well as doing really well in my final year of school (1999).

Overall, looking back on your gymnastics career, are you satisfied with what you achieved?
Yes, I am satisfied with what I achieved, however I wish it had lasted longer. I feel that there was so much more I could have achieved and when I think about it, only one of my major personal goals were fulfilled, making it to Atlanta. I still would have loved to have competed at a Commonwealth Games, the Sydney 2000 Olympics, competed to receive a world ranking in a top 36 competition and the list goes on.

If you could have changed one aspect of your career, what would it have been?
I wouldn't change it at all. Everything happens for a reason.
 
Who is the gymnast that you most admired, and why?
I guess that I admired so many gymnasts for various reasons.
 
Which competition did you enjoy the most, and why?
I enjoyed competing at the Olympic Games the most followed closely by 1997 Nationals, because for the first time I actually understood what my coaches meant by "you have to enjoy competing and perform." Well I did, and it was a blast.

What was your favourite and least favourite apparatus and why?
Floor was my favourite apparatus because I loved the dance component and tumbling, and bars was my least favourite apparatus because I was a chicken and probably found it a bit scary when learning new skills. I also hated how your hands get sore if you train too many routines etc.

Do you still keep in touch with any of your former teammates or friends in the sport?
Yes, but it is increasingly difficult when they are all busy jetsetting around the world in preparation for the Olympics this year. I still speak to most of the girls, including Zeena McLaughlin, Trudy McIntosh, Melinda Cleland and so on. Occasionally I drive up and visit them all (my house is one and a half hours from the gym).

What do you hope the future holds for you?
I hope that the future brings me loads of fun and happiness. What else could you ask for?