Nastia Liukin: ‘I have never been worried about the way my body looks’

Nastia Liukin shows off her toned body. Liukin has said she'd like to help raise fitness awareness among children.

Some excerpts from Nastia Liukin’s interview with Celebs Gone Good at Dosomething.org are posted at USA Gymnastics.

There’s a lot of the same — winning the all-around gold was the highlight of her Olympics, she’s been modeling for BCBG Max Azria and promoting her Vanilla Star Jeans line, Nastia Gold. But there’s also talk about a theme song (no joke!) and some philanthropy work to keep kids in shape.

CGG: What’s your ultimate goal for the future now that you’re already an Olympic champion?
NL:I am going to continue training and competing. The 2009 Visa Championships are in Dallas this year, my home town! So I am very excited about that! Aside from gymnastics, I am going to be actively working on getting more kids and teens involved in sports, and over all be healthy. Teenage obesity is a huge problem in the U.S. and I would really like to help make a change.

CGG: You’ve been involved in so many charities. What’s the cause that above all else is closest to your heart?
NL: I feel like so many people and great causes have been behind me and have supported me to achieve my ultimate goal at the Olympics. I love the feeling of giving back and helping others.

CGG: What are the challenges of being a gymnast? Do you feel pressured to keep a certain body image?
NL: Gymnastics is such a great way to stay in shape! I have never been worried about the way my body looks. I am thankful for what I have and the way I look. But I do know, that I work hard for that! Now that I am not in “competition shape” I am doing a lot more cardio work to get back in shape!

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