![]() ![]() The first two events went as expected: Johnson finishing ahead of Liukin on vault, Liukin passing her after uneven bars. I think we are very strong in gymnastics, and there is more to come." We had a few little mistakes in two days, it's tough, but 1-2 is not by accident. "I think we did prove that we are very strong. "This is an absolutely incredible day for USA gymnastics," Valeri Liukin said. They were in this for themselves yet they were in this together. When Johnson climbed off the podium, Valeri Liukin was right there to give her a hug - Johnson's coach, Liang Chow, did the same for Liukin. "We told each other, 'Be proud of each other.'"Š"Š"Īnd they were, after each routine, holding out a hand to slap or nodding in support. "Of course we knew one would win and one would be second," Johnson said. That it would take the Olympics to decide who was best was only fitting. Their first matchup of the year went to Liukin, the next two to Johnson. Johnson chose a new vault, one so tough only a few women in the world even attempt it.Įach woman was playing to her strengths, hoping it would be enough to top the other. It is an intricate mix of turns and twists that showcases her lines and lightness, but is so physically demanding it leaves her gasping for breath when she finally finishes. Knowing that Johnson would beat her on vault and maybe floor, Liukin and her father created an uneven bars routine so difficult it borders on the impossible. When Johnson won the 2007 world all-around title, the 16-year-old - not Liukin - became the favorite for Beijing.Ī rivalry between teammates will either push them to excel or tear them apart. Now it was Johnson winning everything, whose bubbly personality and explosive power were earning her raves as "the next Mary Lou." And as is so often the case in sports - life, really - someone new was right there to step into her place. Liukin continued competing, but there were only glimpses of her dazzling self. And with her blonde good looks and friendly personality, the 18-year-old had those intangibles that can turn an athlete into an icon.īut an ankle injury before the 2006 world championships nearly ruined everything, hobbling her for almost a year. She certainly had the pedigree, the daughter of Valeri, a double gold medalist at the Seoul Games, and Anna, a world champion in rhythmic gymnastics. Too young in 2004, she was anointed as the favorite for Beijing as soon as the Athens Olympics ended. "I think if it had just been one of us, there wouldn't be someone chasing your tail and wanting to make you work even harder," Liukin said. ![]() "We have both wanted it so bad that we've pushed each other so much and I think that we became a better and a stronger gymnast because of each other," Liukin said after she edged Johnson on Friday for gymnastics' biggest prize. Liukin up first, Johnson up last, the gold medal hanging in the balance. Even better, it came down to not only the last event, but the last two competitors. The women's all-around title came down to the teammates, just as everyone knew it would. "Going into this, we knew there would be only one champion," Liukin said. But an Olympic gold medal is not something to be shared, no matter how close the friends. They are the best in the world, these two American gymnasts, sharing the spotlight and the glory - even a room at the athletes' village. Johnson's performance would determine if she would. Liukin had done everything she could to win the gold medal. BEIJING - Back and forth Nastia Liukin paced, anxiety radiating from her body, her eyes locked on Shawn Johnson on the podium above. ![]()
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