AOL Live 1997
December 14, 1997
Question: who's your fav. gymnast?
SMiller: To watch or as a friend?
ELCTRASmrt: both:)
SMillerGym: To watch. Svetlana Boguinskiaia is a big inspiration throughout my career and as a friend....I have so many!
Question: I was just wondering if the seven of you who went to
the Olympics in
Question: Atlanta really got along together and who was closest
to you?
SMillerGym: We were all really close as a team, so it's hard..
SMillerGym: to pick just one. We've gotten much closer...
SMillerGym: as we've toured over this past year.
Question: What is your goal in life??
SMillerGym: I have many goals in life...
SMillerGym: right now I'd like to keep competing, touring...
SMillerGym: going to school and hopefully try commentating!
SMillerGym: Maybe acting, too..
SMillerGym: But mainly just to have fun and enjoy life :)
Question: What did you think when you first found out that you
became world
Question: champion?
SMillerGym: Mostly that all the work hard work had paid off..
SMillerGym: for me and my coaches!
SMillerGym: It was very exciting!
SMillerGym: Hello to all my fans, by the way!
Question: Have you ever met Dominique Moceanu or any other
gymnast?
SMillerGym: Yes, I've competed with Dominique for many years..
SMillerGym: and have spent the last year and a half touring with
her.
SMillerGym: Touring is a rough thing, but we have a lot of fun..
SMillerGym: we run on tour buses in between cities, relax, talk
and ...
SMillerGym: get to know each other. Hopefully we get to sight
see, too.
Question: Are you married?
SMillerGym: LOL!
SMillerGym: I'm not married...
ELCTRASmrt: Shannon, can you tell us what your book Balancing Act
is about?
SMillerGym: I've dated a little bit, but I have such a rough..
SMillerGym: schedule so I don't have a boyfriend currently ;(
SMillerGym: Balancing Act is a very different book on
gymnastics..
SMillerGym: it's more on personalities than on their ...
SMillerGym: accomplishments. Any gymnast that has ever made their
mark...
SMillerGym: is featured. Both men and women....there are a lot of
great pictures.
Question: What is your favorite accomplishment
SMillerGym: I'm most proud of being able to stay in school
while...
SMillerGym: touring, competing and doing so many things! I hope
to..
SMillerGym: study business, finance and marketing.
ELCTRASmrt: Shannon, sometimes we get some personal questions....
here's one ;)
Question: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
SMillerGym: LOL! Cappuccino chocolate!
Question: where r u from
SMillerGym: I from Edmond, Oklahoma...
SMillerGym: I try to get home as often as I can...
SMillerGym: but it's hard with my schedule.
ELCTRASmrt: Oops, I lost a Question... it was: What's you
favorite music?
SMillerGym: I like country music...I love Garth Brooks & Reba
McIntire...
SMillerGym: and I like top 40, too...
SMillerGym: I like Hanson {they're from Oklahoma, too}.
Question: Who is your idol?
SMillerGym: I don't have one particular idol..I try to take
certain things..
SMillerGym: from different people that I admire to help form
the..
SMillerGym: person I would like to be.
Question: Hi Shannon; Ajax here. Do you plan on doing any more
guest shots on
Question: television ( like you did on Saved By The Bell )?
SMillerGym: I had so much fun doing that..
SMillerGym: I hope to do it again in the future.
SMillerGym: No TV walk-ons right now...:(
SMillerGym: It gets hard sometimes..
SMillerGym: but I'm so used to such a busy lifestyle...
SMillerGym: that on days when nothing is scheduled, I can't sit
still!
Question: When is your Birthday?
SMillerGym: I'll be 21 on March 10th!
SMillerGym: Cool, eh?
ELCTRASmrt: wow, that *is* cool!
Question: Where can we write to you for an autograph?
SMillerGym: Please write to: P.O. Box 5103...
SMillerGym: Edmond, OK 73083...please write to me!
SMillerGym: It takes time..
SMillerGym: but I do respond and you'll get your autograph!
Question: How has winning 2 Olympic gold medals changed your
life?
SMillerGym: It has open up a lot of opportunities for me...
SMillerGym: especially in areas to further my career beyond
gymnastics..
SMillerGym: such as acting, commentating, writing and also
appearances....
SMillerGym: and sponsorship. It's given me the opportunity to
give back more..
SMillerGym: to charities I work with. I do a lot of work with
Children's Miracle..
SMillerGym: Network and Drug Free Youth.
Question: How long have u been doing Gymnastics?
SMillerGym: For 15 years now!
Question: what was your dream when you were a little child,I mean
what did you
Question: fantasize doing when you grow up??
SMillerGym: I never really dreamed about gymnastics..
SMillerGym: I pictured myself graduating from college, having a
career..
SMillerGym: and having a family. I didn't even want the Olympics
much.
Question: Who would you acknowledge most for helping you get
where you are today?
SMillerGym: My parents and my coaches...my parents have been very
supportive..
SMillerGym: they've always been there no matter what I've needed.
Question: What's your favorite song that you like to sing?
SMillerGym: Mostly I only sing along with the radio in the car..
SMillerGym: but one of my favorite songs is Garth Brooks'
"The Dance".
Question: I s there a favorite role you'd like to play? And who
is your favorite
Question: actor/actress?
SMillerGym: I haven't thought it about much...I'd like to play
myself , though...
SMillerGym: My favorite actress is Julia Roberts and my favorite
actor..
SMillerGym: is John Travolta.
Question: are you involved with anyone?
SMillerGym: No, I'm not dating anyone right now.
Question: who was the best person you ever worked with? who
influenced you the
Question: most?
SMillerGym: My biggest influence has been Svetlana Boguinskiaia..
SMillerGym: I've had many teammates and they've all help me in
the gym...
SMillerGym: they've all been good friends, too.
Question: Any favorite sports?
SMillerGym: I like to do a lot of activities like hiking, biking,
skiing...
SMillerGym: rollerblading. I like to watch basketball and hockey.
Question: Shannon, m a student at Eastern New Mexico U. I have
plenty of
Question: teachers I can't stand. What instructors have you had
at OU that drive you up a
Question: wall and what subject do they teach? (if it could hurt
your grade, you don't
Question: have to use their real name)
SMillerGym: There really hasn't been any instructors..
SMillerGym: that have given me any trouble. They've been really
nice about..
SMillerGym: working with me and my busy schedule.
Question: what is your favorite event and what are something's u
tell people who
Question: want to be gymnast
SMillerGym: My favorite events are beam and bars...
SMillerGym: I would tell someone that the main thing in
gymnastics is..
SMillerGym: to have fun. You'll learn a lot of great lessons and
how to set goals..
SMillerGym: for yourself. But mainly have fun.
Question: what is your favorite hobby?
SMillerGym: Gosh...
ELCTRASmrt: oh boy, how could she have time for hobbies ;)
SMillerGym: I don't have a whole lot of time for hobbies...
SMillerGym: but when I have do have an extra minute, I like to go
to the movies...
SMillerGym: rollerblading and shopping with friends.
Question: Shannon - Are you going to be in any televised meets
soon?
SMillerGym: The next competition will be the Reese's Cup at the
end of January.
Question: What do you plan to major in at the University of
Oklahoma?
SMillerGym: I haven't really decided yet, but something in the
area of math.
SMillerGym: Possibly...
SMillerGym: business, finance or marketing. pressure put on young
female
Question: gymnasts?
SMillerGym: I can only speak for myself..
SMillerGym: But I think any pressure I've had in gymnastics, I've
put on myself..
SMillerGym: because I wanted to do well and I'm a
perfectionist...
SMillerGym: I think as long as kids are having fun in gymnastics.
SMillerGym: there is no harm in it.
Question: Shannon how do you get along with everyone on your
team, and how did you
Question: feel when Kerri Strug left and went out on her own?
SMillerGym: I get along with everyone on the team really well..
SMillerGym: and we've become more of a family...
SMillerGym: As far as Kerri leaving...
SMillerGym: I don't think anyone really resented her for it..
SMillerGym: because we knew that there were some hard..
SMillerGym: decisions for her to make. And we thought it was
great..
SMillerGym: that she was able to join us on the tour this year.
Question: do you have a fan club?
SMillerGym: I don't have a fan club right now :(
SMillerGym: But..
SMillerGym: there are unofficial ones out there, but no an
OFFICIAL one yet.
ELCTRASmrt: we're ALL your fan club, SHANNON!
Question: Have you ever thought of doing any color commentary on
TV for gymnastics?
SMillerGym: Thanks!
SMillerGym: I'm thinking of doing it for the Goodwill Games...
SMillerGym: next year in New York.
Question: what do you love most about gymnastics?
SMillerGym: There are many things that I love about gymnastics;
most of all..
SMillerGym: to be able to go to an event and use the skills that
I have...
SMillerGym: I enjoy the travel, competition, and most of all, the
people..
SMillerGym: I meet along the way.
Question: What's it like to be famous?
SMillerGym: I don't really think of myself as famous too much..
SMillerGym: I guess I grew up with cameras all around me..
SMillerGym: I've gotten used to it...it's fun being in the public
eye and..
SMillerGym: knowing I'm giving people enjoyment.
Question: Hi Shannon! First of all, I hope that you'll have a fun
& exciting
Question: Christmas! Just curious, but what are you planning for
the holidays?
SMillerGym: I'm going skiing!
Question: I just wanna say one thing U r absolutely GORGEOUS!! :)
SMillerGym: Wow!...Thank you.
Question: Shannon how do you keep up with your school work ?
SMillerGym: I do it any time anywhere I have a spare moment!
Question: Shannon, do you have AOL? If so, can you tell me your
screen name?
ELCTRASmrt: (oops, don't tell, Shannon ;)
SMillerGym: Sorry, but I can't give that out...but please write
to me at the address I gave earlier!
Question: Hiya Shan =o) I wanted to know if you plan on
continuing gymnastics and
Question: perhaps even towards Sydney?
SMillerGym: I've decided to continue competing for right now..
SMillerGym: but it's still to early to decide about Sydney.
Question: Shannon what did it feel like when u won the gold in
Atlanta?
SMillerGym: It was amazing!...
SMillerGym: It was one of the best moments of my career....
SMillerGym: my parents were so proud.
Question: Shannon. When you were on tour what arenas most stick
out in your mind?
SMillerGym: There are so many cities that are great...and great
crowds..
SMillerGym: but, I like Boston, Chicago and then being in my
hometown..
SMillerGym: is always great!
SMillerGym: I'm going to be at home...
SMillerGym: for part of the holidays {speaking of
hometown}..can't wait to ..
SMillerGym: be home.
Question: Shannon when in Atlanta did you feel like you were
going to win team
Question: gold before it actually happened?
SMillerGym: I never try to jump the gun on those types of things.
SMillerGym: But...
SMillerGym: I felt our team was really strong and that we had a
good chance at it.
Question: Shannon do you ever get annoyed by fans?
SMillerGym: LOL!..
SMillerGym: No, I enjoy the fans..I'm getting to know people..
SMillerGym: it's nice to know that I've made people happy for a
little bit.
Question: Shannon are you going to on tour soon again?
SMillerGym: Next fall - stops all across the U.S.
Question: Shannon, I have always loved your beautiful and
classical style on floor.
Question: Did you get to help pick out your music and did you
have a preference to what
Question: kind of routines you did?
SMillerGym: I get to pick out my music...
SMillerGym: And I enjoy doing a variety of routines...
SMillerGym: but I think my favorite is the slower, more classical
pieces.
Question: where do you keep your metal
SMillerGym: I keep my medal in the bank!
ELCTRASmrt: wow!
Question: Shannon, did Bela or any other coaches ever try to get
you to go to
Question: their gym?
SMillerGym: No..
SMillerGym: I've always been with Steve - 13 years now..
SMillerGym: and I'll be staying with him for as long as I can
continue competing.
Question: Shannon, who were you close to on the Olympic team?
-CrzyTIFF26
SMillerGym: We were all really close...
SMillerGym: over the last year I 've become closest to Kim
Vmskell from the..
SMillerGym: Olympic team.
Question: Shannon- Do you have any good luck rituals that you do
before major
Question: meets, and is your white hair bow one of them? Just
Curious :-)!
SMillerGym: LOL..
SMillerGym: Not really. I try not to have any...
SMillerGym: good luck charms. I guess if I ever lost one..
SMillerGym: I wouldn't know what to do!
Question: How many hours a day did u have to train to be an
olympian?
SMillerGym: My hair bow....
SMillerGym: was something my coach always wanted me to wear.
SMillerGym: Before the 1996 oympics,
SMillerGym: I trained about 8 hours a day.
Question: Shannon, is it difficult to juggle both sports and
academics at the same
Question: time?
SMillerGym: Absolutely! Over the years..
SMillerGym: I"ve become used to it and very effiecient. I'm
very organized.
Question: Shannon, you are an awesome gymnast! Congratulations on
all you have
Question: done! What are your plans for the future?
SMillerGym: Thank you...
SMillerGym: Right now, I'm planning on getting back..
SMillerGym: to the gym a little bit more...
SMillerGym: and continue to compete...as well as getting ready to
go on...
SMillerGym: the John Hancock tour next fall, as well..
SMillerGym: as continuing to go to school.
Question: Shannon, In Krista Quiner's updated biography on you,
Peggy Liddick
Question: says that you made one small error durring your Olympic
Gold medal beam routine
Question: and that only you and her know what it is. What was
this error? (I thought you
Question: were perfect!)
SMillerGym: Thank you..
SMillerGym: I can't give away my secret ;)
Question: Do you like competing? I love doing gymnastics, but
sometimes I don't
Question: like competing. I get nervous. :)
SMillerGym: I love to compete...
SMillerGym: I always get nervous before a competition...
SMillerGym: the feeling of nervousness always gets me through it.
Question: Dear Shannon, I think you are so awesome! What do you
think of the new
Question: gymnasts? such as Kristen Maloney and Vanessa Atler?
What do you think about
Question: their chance for Sydney? Thanks, Katie
SMillerGym: Hi, Katie!...
SMillerGym: I feel bad...I haven't had much time to watch them
compete this year..
ELCTRASmrt: Shannon, here's your last question....
Question: What is the most memorible moment in gymnastics,
besides winning the
Question: Olympic golds?
SMillerGym: I have so many great memories from gymnastics..
SMillerGym: but probably the 1992 Olympics because it was..
SMillerGym: my first experience in the olympic games.
ELCTRASmrt: SHANNON, thank you SO much for joining ELECTRA Live
tonight!
ELCTRASmrt: Good luck in all you do!
SMillerGym: Thanks so much for having me - it was so fun!
ELCTRASmrt: Thanks for coming tonight for ELECTRA Live! with
SHANNON MILLER!
ELCTRASmrt: Look for her new book due out in June, 1998,
"Winning Everyday"...
OnlineHost: Copyright 1997 America Online, Inc.
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