She competed alongsideShawn Johnson, who won several medals too.
Liukin looks back on that time in her life with pride.
Speaking withThe Olympics Channelabout her experience years later, she recalled what the all-around final felt like.
“I knew I had prepared my entire career for that day, for that moment …
The energy that was in that arena was just … nothing like it.”
Talking toCNBCafter the Beijing games, Liukin hinted that another round of Olympic competition might be in her future.
However, Liukin was not part of Team USA when they competed in London in 2012.
So, what happened to Nastia Liukin in the time since?
However, at trials that June, she fell short … literally.
While flipping around the uneven bars, Liukin missed the grab.
As a result, she retired from the sport.
Speaking withESPNafter the trials, Liukin insisted, “I don’t consider this a failure for me.
There can be different highs in your career and I feel like I’ve lived through amazing highs now.
After the mistake, there was much conversation about whether her coach should’ve caught her.
In her memoir “Finding My Shine,” Liukin reflected that it wasn’t her dad’s fault.
“To catch me or not?
That meant life as a regular citizen.
Liukin, it seems, particularly enjoyed the freedom that came with living in a new city.
“New York really gives you the opportunity to be whoever you want to be,” she said.
She noted that even though her competitive career was over, her competitive spirit hadn’t gone away.
Her father reminded her that finals are nothing compared to the Olympics.
She toldFox 5 New Yorkthat the school made allowances for her to compete.
“Going into school, I never wanted any special treatment,” she explained.
“I always said I just want to be a student like anyone else.”
“I want people to know that I am not perfect.”
Then she wasn’t training as much anymore, and naturally, she put on a bit of weight.
“I am healthy,” she insisted (viaToday).
“That’s frustrating.
It can put you down.
It hurts the same, whether it’s one way or another.
No matter what, you’re never going to be what people want.”
Unfortunately, they did not ultimately make it down the aisle.
They called off the wedding entirely in 2018, going their separate ways after three years engaged.
This has always been a big learning lesson for me.”
For his part, Lombardi addressed the split in a 2020 appearance on the”#Adulting"podcast.
“I don’t have any regrets about my relationship with Nastia,” he said.
“No one will be remembered for any single routine, competition, or medal.
You, however, will undeniably be remembered by many for the compassion and bravery shown here in Tokyo.
You came here as a gymnast, and you’re leaving as a hero.”
That year, in 2012, Liukin attended the Olympics anyway, even though she didn’t compete.
“When one door closes, another one opens.”
As of press time, Liukin hasn’t spoken publicly about her relationship with NBC in recent years.
It seems that she won’t be back to offer insight on the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
She was one of only three competitors who made it across.
“It was an experience I certainly will take with me forever.”
Lombardi was in the NHL, but Weyand looks like it’s a regular citizen.
According toPeople, he played college football, but Weyand is now in finance.
I love you!"
Newsabout what Team USA 2024 should keep in mind as they head to Paris to compete.
One of Liukin’s biggest tips was to venture to ignore any online chatter.
“I’m just glad that I competed in an era where I didn’t have social media.”
Furthermore, Liukin suggested that her successors stay focused on the experience.
“take a stab at be present in the moment.
It goes by fast.”
