I don't think I've ever seen anything so insightful regarding the gymnastics community. This might be the single most valuable piece of gymnastics media of our time, in my opinion. At least in modern gym.

@iceisverynice

8 жыл бұрын

cheddar pretzels agreed

@juliacaroline6784

6 жыл бұрын

True

@adamfriday4011

6 жыл бұрын

McKayla Maroney

@AB-jk2id

6 жыл бұрын

K

She honestly needs to write a book about her life. It would be amazing and I would definitely buy it!

Although I'm sad to not see Mckayla compete anymore... I am happy that she is enjoying life and is healthy again!

@JustKeepSinging24

8 жыл бұрын

+JaRiK723 Blench No one cares

@JustKeepSinging24

8 жыл бұрын

***** Who cares about your SPAM BULLSHIT.... (Reported)

@steventate1895

5 жыл бұрын

WWE is calling McKayla Maroney lol

@paulinaowiredu2809

4 жыл бұрын

We love you Mckayla

@toriandicapmond161

2 жыл бұрын

Pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffft.

I think she would be a fantastic coach!

@Xforeverlove21

7 жыл бұрын

Holy shit, you look exactly like the octopus mom

@G14able

7 жыл бұрын

Maybe. She talks too much though.

@TheNonMakeupGuru

7 жыл бұрын

Yes and no. Really depends on how she coaches

@caroldurand6803

6 жыл бұрын

I think she would be a great mentor for gymnasts or even sports psychologist.

@sindessaorellia

4 жыл бұрын

@@caroldurand6803 She should have joined the W.W.E. Can you imagine how well she would do in a ladder match ? Even Rey Mysterio can't fly like she can.

Honestly, this is the realest gymnastics interview ever. Most interviews, mainly ones that only last for 3-5 minutes on daytime/late night talk shows, have the same questions and the same answers. What also irks me is how reporters ask an Olympic athlete who just won a gold medal if they were thinking about the next Olympics? The answer is never going to be "Yes." Ever! That athlete is not even thinking about what they'll do when they wake up the next morning. They just want to celebrate and take in that moment. This interview is different. Time has passed, the interviewer is being friendly and more personable. She is making a real effort to connect with McKayla and really getting to know her as a person, and not just her achievements.

@iceisverynice

8 жыл бұрын

i agree! great interview

I just read the responses from her coaches and they essentially dismissed her comments. A very similar response a la Maggie Haney, "we did everything we could to get her to the top, we loved her, we sent her to an Olympics, she doesn't appreciate what we did for her". Abuse is abuse no matter how much you love someone, no matter how hard you work with someone. It cost her her well-being and mental health. Disgusting.

@williegordon9236

Жыл бұрын

What about the Karolyi's? Why do they skate away from any punishment?

When she said "Then my body was just like, 'I don't really want to be treated like that anymore' " the feels hit me right in the face. She is unbelievably amazing.

not entirely done yet, but i gotta say i am impressed with how honest she was, especially about usa gymnastics and her own gym so much new respect for her after this video!

@Fraa9425

8 жыл бұрын

+Isabella Hatkeinennachnamen I agree completely, this is the most truthful and honest interview I've ever heard.

"I'm just ready to put my worth and value in something else." HEAR HEAR!!! Very healthy and honest realization.

@JTD472

4 жыл бұрын

Anita S Jackson too bad that something else is apparently music. It’s awful.

@Constantin9va

4 жыл бұрын

JTD472 I disagree. COVID LOCKDOWN has a great comedic elements. So do her other songs and she has a pretty voice.

That was a great interview; I'm so happy McKayla chose Gymcastic to do this. So many gymnasts would have just gone to a TV network or something, but she wanted to talk directly to REAL gymnastics fans. Jess did a great job with not only her questions, but creating a comfortable environment for the interview. It was great to hear from McKayla, and to get some honesty that we so rarely see. She wasn't angry or unfair about anything she said, she was very balanced and just told it how she felt. She will be missed for not only her gymnastics, but her personality as well. All the best McKayla!

I was never really a fan of McKayla before this video. I knew her from the Olympics, but that was it. But after this video, I'm overwhelmed by the amazing maturity and confidence that this girl has. She seems to have such a great heart and kind soul. I'm so excited to see what adventure she goes on next!

@alexandreluizalves

3 жыл бұрын

She is a pure heart woman

@gregorymccann3223

Жыл бұрын

Her and Aly Raisman are still best friends. Both amazing women

@isaacasdreams

Жыл бұрын

Bruh.. I came here after I watched the whole Meme event... then I saw the HBO documentry ... She is a class act.

She's incredible. McKayla should be a commentator at the olympics.

How sad that MckAyla was jealous that Simone can smile while she can't. Simone and Coach Aimee's relationship and partnership are a gem. I remember them saying that in 2014, Simone was having a hard time so they took a step back and assess what is wrong. Then Simone went to a sport psychologist and it helped her a lot mentally. No wonder Simone kept rising and rising after that. Sadly not all gymnast have coaches like that.

@bellaimages

8 жыл бұрын

+Gracie C. I hear ya! Some of the things McKayla was told in the gym by her coach & trainers was wrong, yet she was able to overcome to reach Olympic status. Being told not to talk to other, not smile, and look at the wall gave others the wrong impression of this lovely young lady! It was costly on her body, but it seems that she has been recovering healthwise. I love this interview, and I love her for being so open about what she has gone through. She has turned the negatives into positives. McKayla has so much to give by inspiring others! Perhaps she can have an effect on coaching styles? Whatever she does in the future, she has my best wishes!

@isaacasdreams

Жыл бұрын

@bellaimages She had a shattered foot but that demon who shall remain un named told everyone she "reinjured a toe" and the camera wouldn"t get out of her face when she was trying to stay warm.

I think this is probably the most genuine interview from an athlete ever. thank you for opening up on your struggles and thoughts. I wish you the best in all of your future endeavors! You seem to have a mind of your own and is not afraid to do things your way, I'm sure you will achieve success in things other than gym.

After this interview Now I am a Mckayla Maroney Fan. .. I built a new respect for this girl. Thank you for being honest and letting us know the real experience of a Elite gymnast life.

McKayla is such a beautiful person, inside and out.

She is so GENUINE, HONEST AND EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT. This is a rare view inside the most highly pressurized machines in sport competition. She is so beautiful and vivacious when she is happy. Her smile is infectious. She looks so much better than she did at the Olympics. She is STUNNING. I learned a lot of life lessons through this interview. This has saved my life. She is a gorgeous, luminous lady. Bravo! You are woman, hear you ROAR!

I am happy to hear she is moving on from gymnastics. These girls don't realize that there are bigger things in life than gymnastics. Like happiness, friends, experiences, music, marriage, traveling, contributing to society, and just so much more. I'd take a happy, healthy, productive McKayla over a McKayla who does gymnastics and doesn't feel well.

@bryceXfrost

8 жыл бұрын

You didn't win Olympic

@summerblue1278

8 жыл бұрын

Only gymnasts understand

@chelseaw9009

8 жыл бұрын

Yeah... Now, watching this stuff gives me the willies.When I was a gymnast I believed, without a doubt, that I would have no life, no personality, nothing distinguishing or successful about me if I left gymnastics. I'm so glad I did leave early, and found out who I'm supposed to be.

@Shaquille.oatmeal41

8 жыл бұрын

I guess we gymnasts are weird like that... Gymnastics just becomes such a huge part of our life that we learn to love it, to a point that we would risk breaking ourselves to do it

@lvega5606

8 жыл бұрын

Same here. I thought my life would be over if I stopped gymnastics. But I moved on to running track and did very well for myself. Life goes on.

And yes, it IS ok to say that some of what your coaches did was wrong and incredibly damaging to you!

@lvega5606

8 жыл бұрын

Especially when it could save a girl from making a choice that's wrong for her. If a girl has a dream of being a healthy college gymnast, she might be a better fit for a different school.

This interview is so different to watch after the whole USAG scandal. When this first came out I didn’t catch many of the things she said that elude to the problems of USAG which we’ve heard about since. So much respect for McKayla and everyone else too for being so strong through everything.

@amyj4106

Жыл бұрын

Just out of curiosity what things did she say? :) I was trying to see if I could pick up on more of that too

I watch this interview maybe 3 times and every time I was so emotional but today I watched it again and after knowing her terrible story with Nassar; It was too hard. And now I can understand why she was in depression after the olympics.

I guess I'll be one to comment and say this was by far my favorite interview she's done. I wish her the best with her future plans and plan on supporting her as much as possible until the day I die.

This was a great interview, awesome job Gymcastic! I'm really impressed with the way she critiqued her coaches/USA gymnastics. She gave her experience and her tips for improvements, and didn't just unload blame on them for what she went through.

i wonder if she had a different coach if we wouldn't be seeing her still competing.... i so thought we'd be seeing her doing a triple at the 2016 olympics and winning, etc. - she had such an insane talent on vault that we will all miss so much! wishing you all the best in life hunny! : )

I give this girl all the respect in the world. She wasn't afraid to talk about anything , even if people where going be mad. she gave the bare truth and was not afraid. This speaks volumes to what athletes have to endure when its time to say good bye to your sport. Its the worst feeling in the world and she is speaking nothing but the truth. She will be sadly miss from the sport.

This shows another side of her...I always thought she was cocky at competitions...but she is just...she is really likeable, when she is allowed to talk like she wants to!

This interview is so amazing! McKayla is so inspiring and a true role model.

@abbybollinger4828

3 жыл бұрын

Y

She has such a gift in terms of her charisma and her ability to express her thoughts in such an honest way. Her thoughts on not being a competitor anymore were so open and honest. I think she would make a great commentator in the sport. People like listening to her and she has a lot to offer.

Would love an updated mckayla interview in 2020!

I am so proud of McKayla. she is wise well beyond her years. I am glad she is putting her happiness and well-being first and wish her the best in her future endeavors. much love and support!

This interview NEVER gets old, never! Go McKayla!

The dark side of Eastern European training technics..sad, with the influx of the Soviet and other coaches from behind the Iron curtain came their technics that lacked compassion, passion and heart...the Soviet machine doesn't hold together in America, American need to have their machine oiled and tuned, not worn down to dust...There were countless East European gymnasts that never made Senior ranks when seniors were 14, countless others that never made the Worlds or Olympics because the coaches trained them beyond the breaking point and left them crippled emotionally, spiritually, psychologically as well as physical bodies maimed... This was by far the most complete, mature, heart felt closure to a sporting career I have witnessed in 50 years...Thank You McKayla for have the grace and composure to walk away with style!

@KP-it6jt

8 жыл бұрын

+Kevin Jewell Are not most of US gymnasts trained, not by Russians but Romanians? That's why they are not good at bars and best events are beam, floor and vault.

@lerinjensen8938

8 жыл бұрын

Obviously, Bela and Marta Karolyi are Romanian, and Bela has definitely had his fair share of abuse allegations. Mihai Brestyan is also Romanian. Valeri Liukin is Russian. Artur Akoypan is from Soviet Armenia. So there's quite a few Eastern European coaches in the U.S. There's also quite a few former Chinese gymnasts and coaches. But I haven't heard the same scandal surrounding them, despite also having centralized programs.

This was such a great, eye-opening interview. She seems so so sweet. Some of the things these coaches do to their girls ... why don't they already HAVE nutritionists on staff to make sure the girls are in good health and getting the vitamins and nutrients they need? And making her compete with broken, fractured bones?! And that's not even including the emotional abuse and gaslighting these girls clearly went through. Coaches shutting out their gymnasts for getting injured, gymnasts feeling guilty, like they're to *blame* if they get hurt -- the whole thing is emotional abuse, and I really hope gymnasts continue to speak out so that there can be some changes in how this system takes care of its athletes.

I am so incredibly impressed with this young woman's attitude and insight. Seriously. She's come to conclusions and truths that took me 20 years to figure out. I listened to this whole interview with a smile. Her attitude and spirituality is going to serve her well in the next phases of her life. Congratulations, McKayla. I'm impressed! (just realized this could be taken as a lame attempt at a joke, went to erase it, decided to leave it. Lol.)

Rewatching this in February 2018: 😢

Watching this prior to hearing her story of sexual abuse, it was not surprising to hear the news. These coaches seemed quite abusive and strict themselves. There seems to be a culture of no complaining in gymnastics, which is why these abusers get away with their behavior.

Man these gymnasts are so mentally tough it’s insane. My respect for them is at 1 million. She absolutely right in saying there’s a thin line between being a tough coach and being abusive. I’ve had tough coaches my whole life playing football. And some definitely went too far in being tough on us. Good luck in your next endeavor in life McKayla!

I had to pause the video to say this. I have been listening to Adam, Joe, and Lex for 20+ years. This is the best, most intriguing, and good for the soul interview I have ever seen.

Love it!!! Jessica, you are breaking down so many barriers by providing this platform. Thank you for doing this and addressing so many subjects that seem taboo in gymnastics. This can only help our sport. Keep pushing boundaries!

It's so sad to watch this and have people talk about how secretive gymnastics camp is... and now we know almost all girls were sexually abused at that very camp over years. Precisely BECAUSE it was so secretive. Because it was lacking guardianship necessary to keep young girls with big dreams safe.

@MusicMan3

5 жыл бұрын

ya these comment are bs. shes amazing

Pushing yourself too hard is counterproductive. Maybe she'd still be active if her coaches hadn't overworked her. Remember, without health, you have nothing.

@brooksangela2

4 жыл бұрын

Exactly

@queendeche4555

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Simone says whenever she needs/needed a break, she always took it with no objection from her coaches.

Wow, this girl is so wise and so mature, especially for her age. I was going to watch for a few minutes and move onto the next video, but I watched the entire thing. She is a great role model for young gymnasts.

I can see why she really wanted this interview, to finally have a voice! Awesome interview. Amazing insight into the sport. What a superstar McKayla is 💎

It is always so disturbing to hear what those girls have to deal with to be at their best level. Especially when I am watching gymnastics as I would watch art being created on the spot. It's always amazing and impressively beautiful to watch. Yet, I forget (too often) the amount of work that there's behind it. We all know it takes a lot to become what she became. But I know I always forget the mental pressure they put on themselves at such a young age... And hearing this today was... so refreshing. And I am really happy McKayla could finally be honest about her experience. Maybe what she shared today will help other gymnasts & other coaches to do it a different way. Thank you so much for this insightful interview! :)

when i met her she was THE sweetest person you could want to meet. she even took a picture with me making the "not impressed" face. i'm sure it was annoying for her (something i didn't think of til after or i may not have asked) but she didn't let on! what you see here is how she is in real life. such a sweet person.

Wow, watching this interview after the whole Larry Nassar sentencing... McKayla, you're such a brave and amazing person!

That was such a great interview! Fantastic job, Gymcastic Crew! McKayla, you're amazing. Thank you for sharing everything, and for being so honest.

So, so good!! such insight and honesty and beauty. Thank you SO much Mckayla; your story is so moving, beautiful, and heartbreaking! my respect for you had like quadrupled!! :) Big thanks also to Gymcastic for facilitating and producing this AWESOME interview!!

Best quote from McKayla “ instead of training them to their death, try to prevent them from dying” couldn’t have said it better 🥰

Everything about this is perfection. I never saw myself in McKayla too much, but I kinda do now. I too had coaches who were formerly in a regime far more intense than my own (my coaches were Romanian, came not even speaking English and were closer to Bela and Nadia personally in the US than anyone in America for a LONG time). I remember being able to imagine them complexly and remember how they grew up and understand what they say and why they're angry aren't always as personal as it feels. But I know my teammates couldn't do that. Yet, despite being able to do that a lot, it doesn't mean it's okay they behaved that way . And it doesn't mean that it still didn't cause a LOT of pain and damage over time. It was so draining trying to play both sides in your mind. ..always having to take your feelings out of it - which becomes a really unhealthy skill over time when you have to use it to excess jus to get by. ..always intellectualizing and never letting your feelings matter. Not did I need to do this for myself and my own mental health, doing a little parenting to my coaches, but then ALSO trying to do that with my teammates who weren't able to understand....it was so exhausting for a young teenager. I can also still respect my coached and their own dedication and know that I/we must have seemed so spoiled to them. But that doesn't mean it's the way it should be done or is acceptable to continue or that there aren't WAY better ways to go about things. I don't think I ever knew she had this degree of understanding nuance and seeing the whole picture. It's a beautiful quality that will take her SOOO far, particularly in such tough industries like those she wants to pursue. I see more of myself in her than I used to and now feel I can relate more than just love the hell out of her. This interview was fantastic and god do I love you guys!! Amazing work! Thank you all for fostering such a great environment and safe space to talk with a following that is also understanding and supportive.

WTF, it sounds like some of the U.S.A coaches need to serve jail time for more or less chronically assaulting their athletes.

@Delta3angle

8 жыл бұрын

If you think this is bad go look at what the Russians do to their athletes.

@juliettebataneant1011

8 жыл бұрын

And Romanians

@Wafuller

8 жыл бұрын

And Chinese

@Obeebabyforlife

8 жыл бұрын

That is nothing in comparison to the Chinese like they whip them

@r.b.4611

8 жыл бұрын

Alyanna Ibay Still, doesn't excuse the USA coaches at all.

I can relate to this on so many levels. One of the hardest thing I ever have done was say goodbye to this sport

@AymanKasaby

8 жыл бұрын

I hope you can look back and be happy for whatever decisions you've made.

@SelenaBESTT

8 жыл бұрын

Same 😖

Wow this is so professionally done!

This was an amazing interview! Thank you so much! Anyone remember the "not impressed face" after her silver medal on the podium? Pause at 43:25

@lvega5606

8 жыл бұрын

LOL

@lukeferrante497

8 жыл бұрын

+Lisa Vega lol I thought it was clever 😂😂

@AceTheSkylord

3 жыл бұрын

Apparently she doesn't even try to make that face, it's sort of a thing she does when she's thinking

Great interview. Thanks. And thanks to Tumbl Trak for supporting GymCastic.

I love where this podcast is going!!! LOVE the animation intro :) :)

Sports like gymnastics require team effort for success to happen. Teamwork is what took place to create this video. Jessica did a great interview, the camera crew and editor did a great job, and most of all ... I love and appreciate who McKayla Maroney really is! She had so many wonderful things to share that can help others. This is the best interview I've seen in a long time!

Wow. I was not expecting this girl to be the mature balanced and wise young lady that she is. McKayla it's not often that my first opinion of a person changes after some time. But it did with you. I am convinced you will succeed in your future; and I am convinced you will continue to be a role model for so many.

I loved the honesty of this interview, Mckayla always inspires me and she is so strong. But I will miss watching her competing gymnastics especially on floor and vault!

Lovely interview with a spectacular young woman. Her vault in the team event in London 2012 was perfection. She radiates positive energy. I wish her all the best. Greetings from Norway.

Wow I'm so amazed and impressed by her. Only know her in 2012 as the face and gold medal winner. I'm so glad I came across this interview. I feel like I can related to situations she is sharing not in the gymnastic world but at work and school and being injured. She's not just a pretty face who found the next fad of being famous and going into the music industry. I really want to wish her well and success moving forwards and more than anything good health. She talks like a regular teenager in the words she use but the content she shares is so deep and adult.

We were lucky to have you on team USA in London. Glad to hear you're doing well. Keep up the positivity! 🇬🇧🇺🇸

This brought tears to my eyes, I'm so happy for Mckayla❤️

Wow that was the best interview. So real, so wise.

You are truly and inspirational and high vibrational young lady. I'm so glad you are finding yourself and your love for yourself too. Rock on!! You will continue to fly high because you can see past the dark and live in the light. Good for you!! Blessings to you!

Good interview, i like when athletes/actors/musicians/politicians (lol) are honest but respectful. Gives good insight.

Probably my favorite gymnastics-related interview, ever.

This interview is truly amazing!! A lot of the things she said helped me and pertain to my life even tho I'm not an athlete it pertains to other things as well. Her advice is so insightful amazing and inspiring!!!!

Im not a gymnast at all but hearing mckayla talk about her experiences was so important to me thank you

WOW this was a fabulous interview! Gymnastics is so elusive and awe-inspiring to watch (especially if you nevergot to take gymnastics as a kid like me) so hearing all about McKayla's experience was very eye-opening and made me respect and love her so much more! The Olympics are such a crazy and wonderful thing that watching this interview during the Rio Olympics makes what the USA Woman's Team is doing even more special. So much respect

Love you and your mindset on things McKayla! We miss you in the competitions but love seeing what else you're doing now!

This was an amazing and inspiring interview! Mckayla has gone through a lot and I admire who she is today. She really knows who she is, what she wants, and is wise beyond her years. I feel so sad she went into such a dark place because nobody should ever go through that. I also feel bad about the amount of hate she got. People need to realize that a person is person. She cannot please everyone and fulfill everyone's expeditions. If someone has feels unkind toward person then they do not need to share anything with the world. Those feelings are their own. Many people don't share that feeling. Mckayla, you are a beautiful person. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Never stop dreaming, believe in yourself, never give up, and most importantly remember the world is here to lift you up when you feel down! 😊💕

What an amazingly insightful and mature adult. All the best to McKayla - I'M IMPRESSED!

Great job gymcastic crew!!!

such an honest and poinent interview, brings me to tears. So, so insightful.

this was made in a very professional way. Thanks a lot, and all love towards McKayla

Fantastic interview. She is very inspiring. Not only her amazing physical skills and strength and focus, but her transformation to someone who knows how to love life and her spiritual side

more video episodes PLEASE!!!

This was great. Thank you for sharing.

"I can still do a vault, no matter what", such an awesome chic

At the end of the day this was a great interview.

These are some interesting insights, thank you. And McKayla is so bubbly!

This is probably my favorite interview I've ever seen. 20 times better than the crap on flogymnastics. Real and free. Thank you Jessica and McKayla for making this happen. You have so much valuable insight into the sport.

@appleblossom101

8 жыл бұрын

+Kathryn Parker Just a reminder, its free because people volunteer their time. Jess spends 15-25 hours a week, and the other crew members volunteer their time as well. I don't know how this production crew was paid for. Just a reminder that doing things costs money and time, and flogymnastics costs money because they employ people. But I agree, gymcastic is amazing and Jess deserves SO much praise for the quality of the content and her willingness to focus on the stuff that no one else will talk about.

Still watching in 2019, she's so real!

Wow! I am in awe of you, McKayla! What an incredible interview! I'm so proud! Congratulations on an AMAZING career (I'm seriously never getting over THAT vault in London)! Wish you the best of luck, but I'm sure whatever path you choose to follow will lead you to wonderful things. Cheers from Brazil! :)

McKayla is such an inspiration and one of those people that you can listen to for ages. I'm proud and so happy that she's making a huge change for HERSELF xx

Gosh I love McKayla. This interview was amazing and inspiring.

This was a great interview. We really get to hear mckayla talk and get to know her better. Im a huge fan of her gymnastics but im now a fan of her as a person. I cant wait to support her furture endevors.

This is so beautiful and inspiring, thank you McKayla!

I love McKayla and I am really sad she 'retired' but I wish the best for her and I'm exited to she what the future has in store for her. WE LOVE YOU MCKAYLA!! Best wishes from the uk ❤️❤️🇬🇧

Very, very insightful and truthful - much appreciated, thank you! I wish this interview will change some people's mindset about gymnastics. It is an amazing sport, but it should not brake people!

Great interview!

Seriously love how much thought she obviously put into this. Way to go girl!!!

This interview is incredible. McKayla, you are a gem.

incredible and really inspiring interview

She's very mature and has a lot of perspective at a young age

Just wow! I'm so happy for her and I know that she has so many more amazing accomplishments in her future.

This girl has been through so much. She been to the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. I don't know her and never watch gymnastics but you can tell that she has grown years past her actual age. She has such a big understanding of life and I believe that she has a genuine love for it and people, and her inner light is shining so very bright. She doesn't seem to be full of herself but doesn't worry about what anyone thinks either. I wish you well MM🙂

i am kind of sad that mckayla is not competing anymore but she has inspired me so much i now realise i need to get through my mental blocks that i have had for a year now. i am glad mckayla is happy and healthy now x

best Interview ever!