So I was right. You know, when it happens so rarely, I gotta point it out. I remember my mother and I being in the vast minority in regards to our feelings about that vault. Sure, it was a brave thing to do, but we just thought it highlighted the win at all costs attitude that's instilled in these kids from the time their just out of infancy, it seems. She could've seriously hurt herself even more.
Regardless of whether it meant anything or not, it was a gutsy thing to do. And as for whether or not it could have hurt her more, no one bats an eye when an NBA player who is seriously hurt plays a game in the NBA finals. When it is the final goal/accomplishment, sometimes injuries become much less of a concern. I still think it was a good moment.
I think the main difference is that she was a 16 year old kid, not a 30 year old NBA player. It was a great moment, but I think it illustrated the world of gymnastics for what it really is.
The article Behad just posted said she was 18. I think that's old enough to not give her the "she got pressured into it" card. But I see your point.
I think she has her own clothing line, and she hosts a bunch of charity events. I think it was the family troubles, combined with growing from 4'6.5", 71 pounds to 5'2", 90 pounds from 1996 to 1998 that did her in. All that extra size killing her balance and those emotional problems killing her focus would be tough for anyone to handle.
I don't necessarily think she was pressured into it, I just think the way she grew up probably meant that she never gave a second thought to what she was doing. But, it worked out well for her, that's for sure.
