the reality of being a gymnast, a talk with nia dennis [video]
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As some of you may know, I was a cheerleader. Okay, whatever. I was a cheerleader, a competitive cheerleader. But before that, I was a gymnast. And I liked gymnastics. I wasn't great. It was kind of an intense environment. I didn't last very long there. However, I did pivot to competitive cheerleading. And competitive cheerleading has some similarities to gymnastics. And so I've always loved the sport. You know, I don't have it in me

to be, I think, like a really competitive high-level athlete. Like, that was never in my DNA. Did I want it to be in my DNA? Yes. I just did not have it in me. And I've always been so fascinated by athletes who do make it there because, for me, it was... I don't want to say it was impossible, but it kind of was impossible for me. I don't think that it's for everyone. I don't think everyone has it in them to...

be a high-level athlete. And so I've always been fascinated by really highly competitive athletes, and I've not really gotten the chance to talk to many until today. Today, I present to you Nia Dennis, an incredibly talented gymnast. She went to UCLA for gymnastics. One of her floor routines went super viral and got so much attention from not only the internet, but also celebrities just because

of the passion. And there was just something so magical about her performance. And so she went viral. And from there, she went to perform at the Met Gala for Adidas and Stella McCartney. The most incredible Met Gala moment, I'd argue, yet. She once dreamed of being an Olympian and almost reached her ultimate goal while on the U.S. national team.

However, she did get a severe injury. She tore her Achilles and it completely changed her path, which is sort of, you know, a gymnast's worst nightmare. She's a story of somebody who basically in the industry of gymnastics had a catastrophe happen to her. And yet she's managed to bloom where she was planted in a way that is so inspiring. She has a lot of wisdom when it comes to, you know,

through, honestly, like, earth-shattering injury in her sport, maintaining her love for the sport, even regaining her love for the sport, which she'll speak to. And she's now expanded her career. She works with Adidas. She's modeled for Beyonce's Ivy Park brand. And overall, she's really involved in, you know,

speaking about things that are important to her and just overall trying to do her part and help society as a whole in any way that she can. And so I'm very excited to bring to you Nia Dennis, the incredible, the beautiful, the talented gymnast. But she's far more than that. Far, far more than that. She's just awesome.

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And what's your sign? I'm a Gemini. I'm a Pisces. Wait, cute. But my moon is Gemini. Cute. I love that. I'm like, are you into it? I am. I love talking about horoscopes because I'm kind of, I like know a little bit, but I don't know enough to like be, what about you as Pisces?

If you had to say. I mean, I guess they love to say we're emotional, but I like to use my emotions to my advantage rather than like, you know, like call me a crybaby if you want to, but I'm going to cry about it and then I'm going to move on. Absolutely. Like let me cry and then that's okay. I think it's good to be in touch with your emotions and let yourself be. Isn't it? I think that's healthy. Valid? Completely valid. There is like a, especially with Pisces, it's always like...

Pisces and Cancer always cry. But it's like, who says that's bad? That's what I'm saying. Gemini's are called two-faced. I know. Which I kind of understand because I can see certain ways that I am two-faced in a way. Like, you know, if maybe I don't like someone's vibe, which that happens to everybody. Right. They'll never know.

Because I have that two-faced look. I'm not going to... I think that's kind of gorgeous. I mean, like... Agreed. Like, I think it's healthy. I think it's really... It's useful. It's useful in so many ways. Because it doesn't help

to have people know that I don't like them. That's not helpful. I think it depends on the situation, relationship, like who it is. Because like if I'm not really going to see you that often, then it's like there's no need for you to know. No. But if it's like an occurring thing, like multiple times, like I feel like. Well, then we communicate. I have to address it. Yeah, I was going to say I have to address it. I can't really. I'm not a fake. Tell me.

Tell me about how you were as a kid. Were you Pisces coated as a kid? Like, what was you as a kid? Oh, my God. I was a freaking shy kid, like, crying, screaming, hanging onto my parents' leg. Like, don't let me go. Daycare. At daycare. Yes. Every single day, it was like, you know, like, get off my leg. Like, you've been here before. Now it's like you've been here before and you're still doing this. Yes. So sensitive kid. I'm very sensitive. Yeah. Like, being a really sensitive kid.

What about gymnastics appealed to you? Because in my head, when I think about gymnastics, right, it's like, yeah, this is not a nurturing environment. This is cutthroat. It is. I mean, I think in the beginning, I also did gymnastics as a kid for a few years, not as most kids did. But like fun, right? It was fun in the beginning. And I think when it started to get gnarly, I think that's when a lot of kids drop off. Yeah. And I ended up pivoting and doing cheerleading, which weirdly is like,

Also, a weird, like, competitive cheerleading. Yeah, yeah. Which is, like, similar. Which is also cutthroat. It was cutthroat in a different way. Yeah. Like, because it's not an Olympic sport. It isn't. And so there's a different... It's still cutthroat, but it does feel different. Whereas they sort of start to kind of try to figure out, okay, which one of y'all are going to do it? Right. Right? Yeah. And so it does start to get intense. And for a sensitive kid, as you were...

What kept you in it? So when I initially started gymnastics, I was just having a blast. Like, I wasn't thinking anything about anything. I was literally just enjoying the act of flying. Like, I'm flying, you guys. Yes, yes. Into the open foam pit, you know, just on the trampoline. That was just—and also, like, the epitome to me as, like, childhood wealth was, like, having a trampoline in your backyard. Totally. Like, my neighbors had a trampoline in their backyard.

I stayed on their trampoline. So like my parents also saw how much joy that that brought me because I did not cry at gymnastics. So everybody's like, OK, wait a minute. We might be onto something here. But, you know, I was having so much fun. And then I kind of got to like the top, like level 10 at 10 years old. Yeah. So you're just quick. I was. Yeah, it just came to me. It was really natural. And I was just having fun at that time and I wasn't really paying too much attention.

about anything until my coaches were like okay you pretty much reached the end like you gotta like you should do more and I'm like what does that mean like I didn't know what training for the Olympics meant at the time so I didn't know that that meant homeschooling I didn't know that that meant training 40 hours a week until I was in it and then once I was in it I was like I'm like I'm too far in it to like kind of totally drop out like quit now yep but obviously Olympics was the main goal for like

my whole life since I was like 10. When did it sort of impact the day to day?

Honestly, damn near from the beginning. The minute I started homeschooling, it was just me by myself. I was also only child for 10 years. I have a younger sister now. We're 10 years apart. But I started homeschool around fourth grade. So you were always at fourth? Yeah. So it became a nine to five, literally around 11, 12 years old. But my gym friends, I had girls that were my age going through the same things that I was going through at my gym. So they were like

Like, my besties, my sisters for life, still good friends with them to this day because, you know, that's something we bonded over together, bonded through together. So it's like, we know, we know. Well, you have, like, a unique sort of, you know, like, having your first crush. Yeah, I was just about to say that. And all of these things are different because you're in the gym all the time. Right. So, like, what did that look like? Because you maybe didn't have a school dance or, you know, you didn't, like, who's your first crush? It's like all these things.

I'm curious what that looked like in the gymnastics environment. In the gymnastics environment, for somebody who was in the gym all the time, it was like my crushes were like boys I would see like... In the gym. In the gym, but they were usually like brothers of like other girls in the gym. So it was always like... Yeah, complicated. So it was like, ah, crush from afar, crush from afar. But also, my parents were strict, like AF. So there was none of that. There was just none of that. So I actually did go to prom and homecoming, but...

This was after I tore my Achilles in 2016. I decided, I was like, listen, I need to go to school. Yeah. I've been in homeschool like this whole time and that was like my junior year. So I literally had my senior year left and then I was like, I'm going to go. Were you excited? Excited, nervous, crying, screaming, throwing up, all the things. All the things. Like just all the emotions at once because I was like,

I haven't been here since like six, seven years. Like, this is really crazy. How was reintegrating back into school? Honestly, it was okay. I did that in Chicago. So I'm from Ohio. But I ended up moving to Chicago around 14, 15 years old. Mostly for better training, but also...

It was just different. Like Chicago is different than Ohio. Like there's nothing going on in Ohio and Chicago. There's a little bit more going on. So it was definitely a bit of a culture shock for me. But in the best kind of way, I felt like my gym helped me integrate into school because the girls were also going to school at that gym.

Back to sort of, you know, the gymnastics of it all. I mean, walk me through like what a day would look like in various stages. Like, you know, what did it look like, you know, within maybe the first five years? And then, you know, when you started training for the Olympics, like give me sort of what did the daily routine look like realistically? So when I was still in school, it was the full day of school. And then I would go to the gym from like,

4 to 7.30 from the evening time. Go home, dinner, homework, wake up, do it again.

Then once I made it to level 10 and they're like, okay, let's train for the Olympics. I'm like, okay, what does that mean? Homeschool. So now you have time to come in here early. They're like, come on, come on in early. I'm like, oh my gosh, 7 a.m.? Practice usually start at 7.30 or 8, just kind of depends. But around that time to 12, then it's break for about an hour, an hour and a half if you're lucky. And then you start again from, you know, after your break till lunch.

About six, seven. Again, another four-hour practice. So, yeah, that was, like, the majority of my life training. It's two-a-days, double-a-days. It was really common to do two practices when you're training for the elite and national team and all that. And then when I moved to Chicago, we never finished on time. Like, I kind of finished on time in Ohio, but Chicago, I never finished on time. Were they just keeping you until, like, 9 p.m.? Yeah, like, it was just, like, keep going. You're like, ah, no, not good enough. Like, I'm like, what?

again? See, that's interesting. Like they just, because I mean, I guess it's like,

In a weird way, it's probably there's something psychological there of like you have to get it perfect before you can be done. It is. And especially if you like keep making mistakes or like you keep messing up. For example, an assignment would be like do 10 in a row and you'll fall on 10. Yeah. So now you're starting all the way over. And now you're not leaving until you finish your 10 in a row. Yeah. Will be the assignment. But meanwhile, you're getting exhausted. Yeah. Like you're so tired. Yes. Now I'm at 30 and I still, you know, it's wild.

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People are limping on and then limping off. And my thing is always like, do you compete with injury? Yeah. It was always, the motto was like, tape it up and go. Or take ibuprofen, Tylenol or something and go. Like, we got to push through it, especially during the elite year. Like, there's only meets in the summertime for real. So it's like, if you're dealing with an injury right now in the summer, like, you're going to fight through it until, you know, you get a little break after competition. But yeah.

Yeah, recovery was really important in college. Obviously, as you get older, your body just doesn't bounce back as it used to when you were a kid. And the college season is way different than the elite season as well. So college is like from January to April every weekend. And that's not something that I'm used to coming from elite where it's like I was competing like twice every year. Okay, so I'm curious about college.

What was, like, the decision-making process of sort of – do you have to go to college? Like, I'm very unfamiliar with the whole process. So, I mean, times are changing. Like, things are definitely different now. But back in the day, it was really uncommon to do elite and college. Also, college is kind of like a step down from elite. Mm-hmm.

But it is still really tough. And it's like those girls are still top in the country, in the nation, just for college and like D1 sports. And we're not doing as difficult as skills by no means. Yeah. But it's still like...

Like I said, we're not competing every weekend like that in elite versus college. So I've always been kind of conditioned that our prime was like 16, 15, 16, 17. That was it. So when I tore my Achilles in 2016, it was like, okay, you're done. Everyone was looking at me like, oh, just kind of disposable. Let's go straight to that, actually. Let's pause all that. You're probably fearing an injury your entire career. Yeah. Because that's always like...

Yeah. I mean, again, even when I was a cheerleader, low level, never was even going to do anything with it.

I was constantly like in shambles. Yeah. Afraid of an injury. Yeah. You know, I remember I had to get like a kidney biopsy at some point and I was, gosh, I was out for two weeks and it was like, you're done. Yeah. Like it was like kicked out. Exactly. Like, it's like, you're like, oh, she's out of shape. Like, yes. Oh, you know, but it was also like, she can't learn the routine. She can't practice the stunts. We can't like, it's like, she's out. And it was the most

It took such a toll on me emotionally. I can only imagine what it was like for you constantly fearing an injury and then for it to come true. Tell me all about that. So I actually was kind of...

an inconsistent gymnast growing up when it came to competition. I was always good, but in me, it's like, you know, fear was getting the best of me sometimes. So I was kind of peaking at this time where I was like, I was finding my flow, my rhythm. I was like, yes, like I'm stepping into myself. I was getting picked for more international assignments by Team USA. I literally just got picked that week to go

to Germany for a World Cup and I was representing Team USA. And it was like big because it was only one woman, one male. So I was like, oh my God, like. So amazing. I'm in there, like I'm making it, right? So literally, I also blame the cold. I was in Chicago. It was negative 30 degrees that year, that day. It was the coldest day of the year. And for club gymnastics, like it's really uncommon to turn on the heat for some reason. Like

tuition be so high but these coaches never want to turn on the heat or the air conditioning like in the summertime we open the garages I'm like okay yeah let's let in the 100 degree air you know and vice versa when it's winter time it's like so I remember being so cold that day and I was like telling my coach like some you know like I'm feeling my ankles feeling a little funny like I've never felt this before she's like just stretch just stretch and I'm like

I just stretched. I'm like, I'm so cold. Like, I'm so cold. And then literally the next turn that I took, I tore my Achilles. I snapped it. And I was just like bawling my eyes out because it also could have been prevented. Yes. I felt like that one could have been prevented. Just a little bit. Like,

I was leaving later that week, but I could have taken a day. Just one day to like, you know, warm up. Literally get warm and like, let's turn on the heat, please. So it was definitely devastating where it was like,

Everything that I worked for, everything I sacrificed, this move, moving to Chicago, like it was all just like started bawling my eyes out, you know, and that was really hard for me. But my coach was like, we're still going to try out. And I was like, what do you mean?

Because, like, you know your strengths and weaknesses. Of course. So I knew my strengths were, like, floor, beam, and vault. Not bars. Yep. Miss Suni Lee was in the mix. Like, we love Suni. Like, we know she's going to do her thing when it comes to bars. So I was like, let's leave it to her. Like, I already knew. So...

My coach is like, yeah, we're still going to try for bars. I was like, this is crazy. Like, this is crazy. Like, I already know, like, where I'm at. Yeah, but how do you dismount off the bars with an Achilles that's broken or ripped or whatever? Yeah. So that was, I came back really early in three months. I landed on it in three months. I was definitely not supposed to do that. But, and during that comeback process, like, I was in a cast and then she

I was putting on ankle weights on the other foot to be even. And I was training bars, swinging bars. And it was really so hard to find a new rhythm with 20 pounds added on to me. Horrible. And then when I got my cast off, then I was relearning everything all over again because now I was so light. And I was just flying everywhere. I was just flying all over the place. I was like,

This is just so much. Like, I could have just, like, like, we know. Like, and I still did it. I competed. I made the routine. And everyone was like, wow, you know, it was just like a... You participated award. Like, it was a lot of, like, fastest comeback ever. Like, everybody was surprised to see me there. And, like, I was surprised to see me there, too. Yeah. And so it was just like, yeah, it was hard. And so did that, and that injury, I imagine, sort of changed your...

your trajectory of where you were going to go from there? Because I think from that point, it's like, you know, how did the injury impact you sort of long term? I mean, going back that early, did you decide to then choose college because it felt like, you know, this is not going to exacerbate an issue? What was the decision making process of going to UCLA? Well, OK.

Okay, well, I was already verbally committed to UCLA because, you know, recruiting starts kind of super early in gymnastics. Oh, yes. So since we're like at the elite level, like a lot of college scouts come to those meets in the summer. And, you know, they're checking you out. They want you. They want elites to be a part of their program. Yep. So I was already committed around 15 or 16 years old to UCLA. So before I got injured and then when I got injured, I wanted to quit.

And I was like, but wait. Oh, you wanted to fully quit. I wanted to fully quit. I was like, you know, like, F this. I'm done. Like, I'm done.

Like literally everything I trained for just gone. I don't blame you. That fast. Like that fast too. And I was just shook, you know. I was just depressed. I was in a little funk as I should. I feel like as I should be. But there was always that voice in the back of my head like, but you are already committed to UCLA. And you've always wanted to be a part of a team. And you always wanted to go to UCLA. And it was like there was another dream that was still within myself that I was like, okay.

Okay. Let's work towards that. Okay? Like, let's not give it all the way up. You know, there could be something else out there for me at UCLA. But I'm really glad that I did kind of push myself to go to UCLA because I'm

I mean, I feel like I still made it in a way. Like, I'm still here, you know? Are you kidding me? Yes. But I also do think it was God's plan in a way because I do think that if I made it to the Olympics at that time, I mentally wasn't prepared for that and, like, what that meant. But now I've learned so much about myself and who I am as a woman and what the sport is and what the sport means to me and everything else, so. Do you feel like, in general, you have...

a love-hate relationship with the sport? Do you feel like you have... What was your relationship overall to gymnastics when you were sort of in an uncertain place, right? You were like, I'm training. I don't know exactly what for. I know exactly what for, but what's going to happen? I don't know. How did your relationship to gymnastics change from then to now where, you know,

Now, it's a lot more of it's in your control, right? How has it changed? So, like, during that time when it wasn't necessarily in my control, it was...

I don't want to say hate because it wasn't fully hate, but it was definitely like, I just like this girl right now. Like, this is not my girl, but I'm still here and I'm showing up for you. Can you show up for me a little bit? Yes. Like, that's how I was feeling. But then once I kind of got to UCLA, I started to like, refine the joy, definitely because of my environment. Yeah.

And my coach definitely instilled that in everybody that was there because we had a lot of Olympians on our team. We had elites on the team. So she knew, like, there's been a lot of trauma coming in and out these doors. So I know, like, what you guys are going through. And this is not that. Yeah. So, like, let's adjust to that. And I was like, oh, okay. Like, let's buy into that, all of us together, for a purpose that was bigger than ourselves and –

That's when it was fun again. I was like, oh my God, I'm having a blast here. That's amazing. A sisterhood, like people cheering me on. Although, again, it's still an individual sport and it is competitive. It was like we're all on the same team and like we all wanted to see each other win in the best way in the sport, outside of the sport. Like,

We were learning, like, we have layers to ourselves. Like, we have other interests. Like, gymnastics is not everything. Yes. And to not take it so serious. Like, it's going to be okay. That's magic. Yeah, seriously. What a beautiful, and also, I would argue, probably unusual experience.

You know, kudos to the coaching. Yeah, no, that's very different. She coached the person, not the athlete. Yes. So she was I will never forget the first time I heard that. And I was looking at her crazy like, what do you mean not everything? Like, I got here because of gymnastics. Yeah, I would not be here if it wasn't. And she's like, yes, but it's not all of you. You know.

I don't know, we can so easily pigeonhole ourselves in our lives and become one thing. And I've struggled with that in my career, like being known as one thing. Being any sort of athlete absolutely is that. And I think it's so rare to find somebody who is in the industry who's actually saying, no, that is not true, you know? Yeah.

You are not just a gymnast. You are not just, like, that is not all you mean to me. Right. And that's not all you are. To have somebody, you know, echoing a really positive and true sentiment like that is, it's so rare. And I think, but I do think it probably...

in a lot of ways, makes you, it makes you work harder too. Because you're like, it motivates you to know that you're not, you know, that you are being seen as human. Yeah. It pushed me to want to come into the gym every day, even though I was struggling with other things outside of the gym or even inside of the gym. Like it was, I had people to lean on in there and I had fun.

fun in there. Like, and it wasn't the end of the world. Like, it was not that deep. Like, it's okay. That was also yesterday's problem. So like, let's leave it at yesterday. The whole accomplishing of dreams is so fragile. Yeah. You know what I mean? Like at any given moment, something could just be ripped out. And then it's like, I've been working my entire life for this. Right. And it's just ripped away. How have you then sort of taken that fragility and even having a moment of

you know, in your own life where you're like, I have to pivot now, you know, like this injury has changed the way that things, you know, the way that I look at things. Right. How have you sort of learned to accept how fragile things are and how have you shifted the way that you make goals so that your goals are accomplishable, if you will? UCLA. Yeah, it was UCLA. That's all that was happening at UCLA. That's when I was changing my mindset, learning like,

Having a more positive outlook on the sport, my coach encouraged me to journal. So journaling was very helpful for me and it was big for me. And that's where I started manifesting. And that's when manifestation started to come true. And I was like, wait, like this actually works. Like, okay, like, okay, power of the tongue, power of positive thinking. And just like, you know, having that kind of perspective on it helped me a lot just

in general, I think, in life, but also in the sport where it was like, you know, shit happens, but we're just going to do our best and we're going to like... I mean, it is what it is. Like, it really, it is what it is. But also when it comes to like readjusting my goals, I think...

My coach encouraged us to just get 1% better every single day. And that's something I've always, I've definitely been carrying with me outside of school, outside of the sport. Like, just little progress is progress, you know? And to not knock yourself just because you didn't make 10% today. Yep. But you still got your 1% and you still moved up. And I think that's, like, more achievable goals for me.

because those can vary from day to day. And it's like when you start your day with the intention of I'm going to get 1% better in this area. And it's like, OK, that's that's manageable. I can do that. You know, and you're already more ready to just go ahead and attack that. And then when you do that, then it's like, period, I did that. This episode is brought to you by Bumble. Dating can be exhausting. Even just getting to the dating stage is a little bit overwhelming. You know, I'm not somebody who loves casually dating. I like to be in a relationship.

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Viral moment. Yeah. Okay? Viral moment. Was that something that you expected? Tell us the story of this viral moment. So honestly, I manifested it, but... Stop. I love that. Not in that way. Okay, so I was just... Like I said, I was always kind of inconsistent, but I also felt like I was a great gymnast. And I felt like I wasn't really getting the recognition that I deserved in my time, my era. So I was manifesting that I got the recognition that I deserved this year because I know...

I know myself. Like, this just feels like my moment. This feels like my year. And it was my 21st birthday. And my mom flew into town and we had a meet. And it was kind of like, ah, dang, we have a meet. But it's also like, I love this shit. So it's like, let's fuck it up with my girls. Like, let's have fun. Like, let's do this. And...

I've because I was having so much fun and fully bought into that with my friends and my teammates I think that's what kind of shined through like in my routine um and then I went viral I literally woke up the next day like what's going on what's going on like my phone's so weird my phone was glitching and everything I'm like I don't know what's going on yes and then I finally saw it like

Because also, I didn't post that. You know, it was like the Pac-12 network, our conference posted that. So it was like, I had no idea they were going to post that. And I had no idea it was going to just get that much attention and that much love. So it was like, OK, I guess this is the recognition that I asked for. It's exactly what you manifested. This is exactly what I asked for. So it was like a blessing. I feel amazing. Yeah, I feel blessed. I mean, are you excited about sort of utilizing the Internet? Like,

this is like a tool for you in a way. But it's something that is new for athletes, right? It's being like, okay, wait, now we can utilize the internet to sort of

for a completely different career trajectory. Yeah. So, you know, what's your sort of relationship to social media? Would you say it's overall positive? Would you say you're just kind of like, it is what it is? And how have you seen it impact other athletes? Like, do you feel like social media has impacted other athletes? Or do you think? Oh, absolutely. I mean, you know, NIL rules started and which is, you know, college athletes can get paid for name, image and likeness, which literally started a month after my season ended. Whoa. My senior year.

After I was going viral and doing all the things. So it was feeling like, like, damn, like I just missed out on a lot to like an opportunity to really capital, like actually make some money off my sport. Like, dang, like literally you don't make money in the sport unless it's the Olympics. Yeah. Or well now college. Yeah. So it is definitely impacted athletes.

I think positively, but also could have been negative. I mean, like, I know, like, when I was at UCLA, I always wanted to be making money. Like, I... Of course. ...was ineligible because I did a photo shoot for a friend for her clothing line. And they were like, oh, she's using your face, like, your image, your likeness. Yo, you're ineligible. So...

I was like, oh my God, she has to take that down. Like she's starting her, you know, her little clothing line that she's passionate about. And I was helping her out. And it was fun because I also like to model and, you know, I have other hobbies. I have other hobbies. So it's like, you know, it would, that was really frustrating. So I think now that there's a lot more lenient, like there's a lot of freedom to like,

find other things that you're good at outside of your sport. So I think that's really great. And obviously capitalize off of that and make money and like set yourself up for success. Like totally. They don't really prepare you for the real world after, I mean, in college. It's true. They don't. They just kind of send you out after. They don't. They just be like, and then the ghost like disappears. Yeah. Fully disappear. What's your gymnastics routine today? Like right now in this moment?

Today, it's just I do it when I feel like it. It's fun now. Yeah, it's definitely fun. It's amazing. I mostly do it because, like, in the entertainment industry, a lot of people love the fact that I can flip. Of course. And it's a cool skill. Yep. So I keep up with it so that I don't, like, bust my ass on set. Yeah. And they're like, oh, I thought you were a gymnast. Yes, yes. Like, I thought you had skills. Oh, I do. Like, you know, it's fun.

So yeah, I definitely keep up with it. And it's like I said, that muscle memory is really deep. So I don't have to like kill myself in training for real to know that I still have skills. Well, also you're like, you know, you don't need to be doing like the most insane fucking quadruple full double. Could never anyways. Yeah, but especially it's like now you're in entertainment. You don't, you know, you're the skills that you are comfortable with are like,

That works so well for this space. It's like you don't need to be doing a quadruple double. 1,000%. Absolutely. So like now you have completely shifted to being, you know, a public figure going to the Met, having those iconic performance. I literally remember hearing, because I was around, I was doing the interviews around the corner. Right. And I heard this like, The marching band. The marching band. And I was like,

This has never happened. She's like, um, hello? I was like, what is going on? And then I watched later and I was like, this is fucking epic. This is the most epic thing I've ever seen. It was crazy. Tell me about, you know, tell me about going to the Met. Also tell me about, you know, your relationship to fashion. Like, are you...

What's your fashion vibe? Like, what's like, are you into it? Yeah, I love fashion. I feel like because I've always been in a leotard, like my whole life, I feel like that's why I'm drawn to it more because it's like, obviously, it's a way to express yourself. And yes, you know, there's no limits to fashion. So it's like there's so many things that you can do and you can find yourself in that. So I definitely resonate with that. But booms, Met Gala.

Stella McCartney calls me. Yes. In the back of her Uber. She's like in the back of her Uber. She's like, Nia, so I can't make it to the Met Gala this year. It's my birthday. Can you represent me? Am I being punked? Like literally like pull the cameras out. Like I'm being punked right now. Like what do you mean? Yeah. She's like, no, I really can't go. Like,

Can you represent me? It's going to be you and two other people. I was like, yes. Like, immediately, yes. Like, what do you need me to do? It's the best. It's like the coolest thing ever. Seriously, the coolest freaking thing ever. She's like, okay, well, we're going to make history then. And I was like, what do you mean? She's like, well, we're going to open the Met Gala and you're just going to do your thing. And I was like, well, what does that mean? Yeah. Because...

Do you want a double back on this? Like a double back flip on the stairs or just a handstand? Yeah. Or like a flip. Yeah, what are you talking? Like, what do you mean? Yeah. She's like, no, your floor routine. Basically, like the floor routine that went viral. She's like, I want to see that, but as best as you can on the stairs. Yeah.

She's like, I already have the marching band. It's live. It's going to be live. The marching band is a local band. They're amazing. You're going to love them. And you're going to rehearse with them in the week leading up to the Met. And I was like, so this is already happening. This is already in the works. Whether I said yes or no. Whether I said yes or no, somebody was going to do it. But I'm glad it was me. I'm so honored that it was me. It's, I mean...

It's already scary enough to go to the Met. It's already scary enough. Like, to go and then to have to now perform as well. To start it? To start it? No, it's... I was shaking in my boots. It's so scary. However...

You nailed it. My question is, were you more nervous for that than you were for, say, you know, one of your more frightening competitions? Oh, absolutely. So you were more frightened for that? Yeah, that by far takes the cake. Like, I was standing there. Like, they allowed my parents to come, like, to the red carpet, too. So they were across from me on the other side. I'm, like, standing there, like, I don't know if I could do it. Like, I don't know if I could go. Mom was like, look, the marching band's coming. Like, you're up. She's, like, egging me on. Like, you're up. Like, I'm like, oh, my God.

It was definitely good to see them because it's like, you know, it's the Met Gala. It's like people you look up to, all your inspirations. Like it's a room full of your icons, your favorite people. Like it's so good to see just a familiar face. Regular people. People I know. Yes. That woman birthed me. Like, okay. The parents are, there's something, there's no comfort like it. Yeah. You know, there's just nothing like it. Yeah. I do think, you know,

having a support system through a sort of intense also like a career that starts really young I think the support system is so important it is and it's like you know without it it's so easy to just emotionally derail like what you know you can't you need to have somebody around to

You need somebody who has your back. You need, you know. Like, dance moms, there's gym moms. Yes. It's, like, that extreme. And gym dads, even. Like, it's. True. Like, I felt like I had it bad growing up. But then I always was like, no, like, you really could have it worse. Like, and I've seen the worst. Like, I've seen it with my own eyes. So it's like, it's always like, I'm mad at you, but it's also like, I'm okay. I'll be okay. Yes. And, like, it'll be okay. We're okay. Like, we're okay. Would you be a gym mom?

No. Like, you wouldn't be in there? No. I mean, okay, I've said this, too. I'm like, I don't even know if I would put my kid in gymnastics. Only if they were, like, begging me, like, I really want to do the sport. Like, okay, I'm not going to deny you of your happiness. But you're not going to push them in? No. But the minute they're like, this isn't for me, okay. Like, heard you. Yeah. Not for you. Yeah. Would you...

Do you think that, like, what is the main reason why you would not put your child in gymnastics? I just think, I mean, times, again, are changing. But coaching, coaches were crazy. Coaches were really crazy. And I have, as a parent, have no control what the coaches are saying when I'm not there. So I have no idea what's really being said. How they're stretching your kid. How they're stretching my kid. How they're talking to my kid. How they're yelling at them. You know, what are they really telling them? Yep.

And then what are they really not telling me when they come home because it made them feel so bad? Well, that's true. It's like the coach ends up being with the child more than the parent. Exactly. Do you think you would even encourage your child to go into sport in any extreme capacity? Do you think that there is value to being trying to be the best? Yes. Yes. Okay, interesting. I do. I think...

you know, it teaches discipline. I really just feel like whatever you want to do, that's up to you. You're going to be great at it. And I want you to be great, have fun. But I think that you thrive when you have fun. But it's not to say that there is no hard work that needs to be involved. I think that it's like a fine line. It really is a fine line. Yeah. There's going to be a brutal moment. There's going to be brutal moments. There's going to be many brutal moments. But I do think that it is true that

you can be having fun. Like, there's almost maybe a myth about working hard that, like, you're not working hard enough unless you're tortured. Seriously. And that is not true. It isn't. You know what's so funny, too, that I just thought about was, like, the uniform of it all and, like, sort of the aesthetic and the style of the sport. It's so funny to me because...

It's like all of the it's kind of all of the sort of like gymnastics, dance, cheer, even like figure skating, like all these sorts of sports that are sort of in the same, all very different, but all sort of in the same world. And the aesthetic is so like it's so specific. And when you're in it,

You get it. But like from the X, I feel like people look in on these sports and they're like, what is this glittery? Like, you know what I mean? Why does she have no clothes on? Yeah. Like, what is like, what is this? I don't get it. Did you have to sort of build your style post post sort of

I don't know, when you started maybe like not wearing a Leo as much, how did you build your style? Like, was it like, oh, I'm going on Pinterest, I'm figuring shit out? Or like, oh, I'm just, I don't know, it's in me. Like, what was your fashion building vibe? Oh my God. Well, honestly, just even looking at like video, like my Snapchat memories that come up from senior year of high school, who let me outside like that? Why did I do that? Always. Yeah, of course, as we all go through those phases, but it was just like...

that was like my first time dressing outside of gymnastics. Yeah. And like, you know, it was still very, it was still like a comfortable style. Like a lot of leggings or like yoga pants with like a little crop top. Yeah, of course. But also like layering sometimes. Of course. And I'm like, oh my God, what if, oh my God, just like SMH. Yeah. So,

High school fits, not it. But I've always had the urge to not look like a gymnast or not look like an athlete. So I felt like that was like my driving force. Like as I was figuring things out, it was like, okay, I know I want to look feminine because I also...

being so strong and, you know, like being buff. Like I got that a lot. Oh, you're so buff. Yep. From men. I know. That's, that would be, it's like, but also it's like, come on. It's badass though. I know. It's like now. It's badass, but you also still want to feel feminine. Exactly. I completely understand it. Like I, it's so understandable. Times are just changing completely and like fitness influencers and fitness girlies, like

My relationship with working out and fitness has changed a lot, too, even just like from making that statement to like actually what I really believe. Absolutely. Yes. So it's like but that was definitely something that was affecting me as I was finding my fashion where it's like, OK, I don't want to look too masculine. I want to look feminine, but I want to be comfortable. Like so it was just about like trying different things. Yeah. Like, you know, fail.

I failed. And that was not it. And it's just like, I'm still figuring it out. Like, I'm still finding out, like, okay, my torso is actually really small. Like, I don't need to be wearing jeans that go up to my boobs. It's like, why am I wearing high-rise jeans? I so get it. Because I'm, I mean, like, I don't know. I was really a small, I was a small girl growing up. And I, like, I don't know. And I always felt, I did not feel feminine growing up. And I still, even in some ways, like, am a tomboy. And it is tough, like, figuring out, all right,

How can I feel me, feel comfortable, but show my feminine side as well? And it's so tough. You know, so many people struggle with that. So it's like, it's such a, you know,

But I feel like it's just, it is, it's trial and error. What do you think your go-to outfit is right now? I would say now I go from like, I, when I decide on fashion, it's like what I'm feeling for the day. Like, how do I feel today? What color am I feeling? Like, what does my, what color does my mood feel like? You're going with your gut. Exactly. My intuition. I love that. Are you going with your gut?

Are you an intuitive person in general? Very. I am a Pisces. Oh, sorry. We're really psychic. Back to the Pisces. Back to the Pisces. We're kind of psychic. Yes. We're very intuitive in like my dreams. My dreams are crazy. And that's like another story for another day maybe. You should come back on in like a month and just go through every single crazy dream you've ever had. Let's do that. Have you ever had ones that predict the future? Yes.

I'm literally in California because of my dreams. Did your dream say you must go or did your dream imagine you there, if that makes sense? No. It was my dream. I was already there. And there was like I hadn't seen L.A. before for real. Like I knew about UCLA, obviously, as I was getting recruited. Yeah. But I hadn't seen California. It was a random part of California. It wasn't like.

UCLA specifically. Yeah. Actually, it was Pepperdine. Oh. So I was like, my dream was like a road trip. I was just driving in the mountains and it was just really just a nice magical dream. It felt like magic because there's no mountains in Ohio. So I felt like I was in such a foreign place and I'm like, wow, like this is so amazing. And I looked to my left and it was a castle, like a castle building with like a rock in front. And then I

Boom, fast forward to like a couple years ago. I'm out here just driving just to drive. And I'm like, deja vu. Like, I've been on this road before. How do I know this street? I was like, if I turn my head to the left and I see a building right here and a rock.

Pepperdine University. And the rock was like the Pepperdine sign. I am chills. No, like actually. So that's, you're like, you are intuitive beyond belief. Yeah. Holy shit. I feel really connected to the stars and astral plane, honestly. No, but that's a really, really beautiful place to be. Seriously. And it's like to be tapped into your own sort of spiritual energy

you know, whatever that is, it's so important. And I think it's something that everyone should strive for. And you're totally, you're there. You're so there. God, I think my last question is, what are you excited about right now? Like, what does the future look like for you? And I always am like,

When somebody asks me that, I'm like, I'm not telling you shit. Because that's the whole point. But of what you can tell me, what are you excited about? What are you sort of working on? And what's sort of your overall, I guess, goal now? You know? What has changed? I've learned that gymnastics is not just me, even still. Like, as I've graduated and it's like...

I'm known for gymnastics. Of course. Like, oh, you're that gymnastics girl. Like, ah, yes. But... Like, yes. But there's more, you know. So I'm actually... I'm now an ambassador for Adidas. And I've done many campaigns for them. Um...

The goal is to be the face of the brand. Manifesting again. Let's all spam Adidas email. Okay, you know what to do tonight. Continue. But I would really love to bring leotards back because they actually have been discontinued because the market has gotten smaller. But now gymnastics is popping off again. And I'm like, okay, it's time to bring these back and it's time for me to design them. Yes!

Okay, yes. I'm locked in. I'm locked in. Yeah. So that's what I would love to do. That's something I'm really looking forward to. But I really just do love working with Adidas. Like they hear me. They see my goals. They hear my dreams. And they do everything they can to like make them happen for me. Love. I'm excited to travel some more. I've been traveling a lot like this whole summer. Like I've actually been in my bed a total of two times like in the last few months. But...

they've all been great, amazing travels. And I'm like, I need to see more of the world. And especially the way. Also, you couldn't do that for years. When would you have had time to do that except for for competition? Exactly. I was gonna say we traveled the world, but only for gymnastics meets only business trips. And there was no time to sightsee, be a regular person. Yeah. Get tourists, eat food, try the desserts, try a mac and roll. Oh my God. How

How dare I eat a macaroon on a gymnastic chair. No. Some gelato on. I feel like they were probably feeding you like what? Just like chicken? No, when I tell you we were like sneaking bread like on away meets, I would like steal a little roll and like step it in my pocket. And we were like trying to shimmy out of there so quick. Like we would literally steal bread like cars. Yeah, because I feel like it was, what were they feeding you? It was mostly just chicken and veggies. Yeah. And rice. That gets old. It definitely gets old over time. Yeah. Yeah.

Maybe add a fun sauce. Yeah. No sauce. Ooh, kind of crazy. Dry, no sauce. No. Okay, so you want to travel. Yeah. You know, you're excited about... Honestly, designing Leos with Adidas would be fucking epic. Iconic, right? Because I also think, too, you know, to be a gymnast and to then...

Yeah. Gymnasts for gymnasts. Totally. I think a lot of times, you know, things get designed by designers who maybe aren't... They're amazing at designing, but they aren't... They don't know exactly what makes a perfect leotard. Yes, because also functionality is very important as well. So it's like, as a gymnast, I know...

what I'm looking for. It needs to stretch. It wants to be comfortable but also a little compressed. Just like a little tight. But not too much because I need to breathe. There's a balance. It's a balance. But you're going to know that balance better than, you know, than it... Totally. That would be so sick. It would be so sick. I...

I would love to see you like have a whole gymnastics line. Like designed so fun. Right. So fun. That'd be also iconic. Iconic. I would be like, yo, can I get that in PL? Yeah. I'm wearing it. And everyone's like, what's happening with that? I'm just wearing it because it's cute. And that's going to be like the like the whole theme of the brand is like I can wear it.

Yes. But also can work out in it or also, you know, do whatever you need to do in it. Do whatever you need to do. Whatever you need to do in it. I don't know. You're not judging. I don't. I'm not judging. It's for everything. For everything. Anything goes. I love that. Anything goes. That was the perfect way to wrap this up.

Thank you so much for doing this. Oh my gosh, I had a blast. This is so fun. I'm such a huge fan. This episode is brought to you by Adidas. Whether you're a professional athlete or lacing up a pair of sneakers for the first time, everyone feels pressure. Okay, for me, it started when I was a young tween. There were a lot of pressures that I experienced as a cheerleader, not only from coaches, but also from within. You want to be good because you're like, if I'm not, then what am I doing with all this time that I'm dedicating to this thing?

The only problem was, even though I did well under the pressure, the pressure still made me miserable and it made me anxious. But it wasn't until I got older that I realized that sports should be where you escape pressure, not feel it. For me now, it's less about perfection and being the best, and it's more about doing what feels good and what makes me happy. With the right mindset, you can beat anything, including pressure. You got this. Visit adidas.com slash you got this to learn more.