Originally appeared on E! Online
Nastia Liukin traded in her spot on the podium for a seat in the stands at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Sixteen years after taking home five medals—including gold in the individual all-around—at the 2008 Beijing Games, the retired artistic gymnast celebrated the latest athletes representing Team USA. But while she left her leotard at home, she was sure to pack her team spirit.
After all, as a former Team USA member, Nastia was inducted into a special family—and that bond long outlives the games.
“You’re part of this family forever, and no matter how many years pass, it’s like there’s a common appreciation and respect for one another based upon you knowing exactly what it takes to get to where they are right now,” she explained to People in July. “I’m so grateful for what the sport and the Olympics gave me, these sisters that I have forever. And I certainly feel that same way now, just being an older sister.”
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Since matching the record for a five-medal sweep by a U.S. gymnast in 2008 that was previously set by Mary-Lou Retton in 1984, Nastia, 34, wanted to share her older sister wisdom with the 2024 U.S. women’s gymnastics team.
Her biggest advice was for the gymnasts to “try to be present and be in the moment,” she shared with E! News in March. “It goes by so quickly.”
And she proved that she practiced what she preached during her time in the spotlight by keeping a journal during the Summer Olympics in Beijing.
“I wrote in it every single day,” she noted, “and I have that for the rest of my life.”
But as she showed her support for the talented individuals competing in Paris including Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, Hezly Rivera and Jordan Chiles, she knew that despite their immense talent, they would inevitably have to navigate the mental struggles that accompany the Olympic games.
“They are really well-trained,” Nastia told E!. “If anything, it’s more so a mental challenge.”
“As long as you feel like you’re being the best version of you and you can stand true to yourself,” she continued, “that’s the most important thing.”
Keep reading to see how Nastia spent her time at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Getting Ready for the Games to Begin
Retired artistic gymnast Nastia Liukin—the all-around champion in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing—traveled to Paris to cheer on Team USA.
And on the day before the Opening Ceremony, she got ready for a night to remember with Vogue.
Bonjour 2024 Paris Olympics
Nastia wrapped up a beautiful night with Vogue for its Prelude to the Olympics event, posing in a shimmering gold gown.
Showing Support for the Non-Stop Coverage
And while in Paris, the gold medalist made sure to stop and chat with NBC Sports anchor Maria Taylor for her late-night coverage of the 2024 Olympics.
Inside an Olympian’s Mindset
The five-time Olympic medalist partnered with psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais to launch the podcast The Game Inside the Games, with Dr. Mike Gervais, which dives into the psychology of athletes during the Olympic Games.
Olympic Spirit at Team USA House
To show her commitment to being among Team USA’s biggest fans, Nastia hosted events at Team USA House, which was a hub in the historic Palais Brongniart that was devoted to cheering on and celebrating the athletes.
City of Light
Nastia took every opportunity to cherish her time in the gorgeous Parisian lights, telling E! News, “I always tried to see the Eiffel Tower at least once a day!”
Besties in Paris
There was even a bestie reunion when Nastia ran into her best friend and former teammate Shawn Johnson at Ralph’s!
All Around Finals Look
This time around, Nastia watched the gymnastics all-around final from the stands.
Her biggest advice that she wanted Team USA to take into their competitions was to “try to be present and be in the moment,” she told E! News in March. “It goes by so quickly.”
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