Jaycie Phelps
Everyone knows that Jaycie Phelps, now 19 years old, was a member of the 1996 gold medal team in Atlanta. But since then, she's had knee surgery, been on tours, moved to Arizona, and is dating gymnast Jason Gatson. Although she won't be returning to competitive gymnastics, Jaycie is still very involved with the sport. She took the time to do an interview for us, and here it is, enjoy!:
TDG: Most people know by now that you are living in AZ, and coaching at Desert Devils. What all do you do there, and how many hours each day and week do you coach?
Jaycie: Yes, I am living in Arizona now and I love it. I am also loving coaching. I coach a group of level 4s. And they are ages 5-8. There are 7 of them. They are our developmental group that we are going to move up pretty quick. We picked those 7 out of a group of hot shots to train all the way up the ladder...so it is going to be fun! And I also have a group of level 9,10, and elites. They are ages 10-18. There are also 7 of them in that group. We have 2 Sr. International elites. They both competed at the classic in February. One girl, Chelsea Otto, finished 14th and qualified to USAs. She's definitely one to watch for!!!!
TDG: Are you still training yourself? If so, how often, and how seriously?
Jaycie: Unfortunately I am not still training! Due to the past 3 knee surgeries I've had, Im not able to compete at that level anymore. But if any appearances come up I still do those....little exhibitions and things like the tour.
TDG: We've all heard of the knee problems you've had in the past, how is your knee doing now, and are you physically able to do gymnastics competitively, or in professional competitions?
Jaycie: Well, the last knee surgery was pretty complicated, so I am not able to compete at a high level anymore. But fortunately I had a great doctor and I am able to do some of the pro stuff without any pain. Beam and bars are the only events I can do though.
TDG: When do you plan to start school at ASU? What type of classes do you plan on taking, and what will be your major?
Jaycie: I am planning on starting at ASU this fall. And I am very excited. I am going to start out taking some general classes to get back into the "school" thing. Since I took some time off it might take me a few weeks or so to get used to the whole school thing again. And I am pretty sure that I am going to go for a Business degree.
TDG: How often do you see your ‘96 teammate Amanda Borden? And the rest of the ‘96 team? Aside from Amanda, who have you remained closest to?
Jaycie: Well, actually I don't see Amanda as much as I thought we would see each other living only 5 minutes away from each other. Our schedules are so different that it's hard for us to find the time. She is in school during the day and then I am coaching at night. But we make sure that we keep in touch. And as far as everyone else we have all moved on and started our own lives. But we try to keep in touch as much as we can. I would say that Dom M. and I have stayed in touch the best so far!!!!
TDG: What was your first reaction when you first heard of Dominique Moceanu's recent troubles with her family, and do you have any comments on her situation whatsoever?
Jaycie: Actually, I knew it was coming it was just a matter of when. And I think what she did was the best thing for her right now. She is training again now and doing very well. She is looking forward to getting back to competition.
TDG: Throughout your entire career, what do you feel was the absolute best routine you ever performed, or which one sticks out most in your mind?
Jaycie: I would have to say that the 2 best routines of my life were at the Olympics on bars and floor. I can remember bars the best because it was the first event of the entire night and I was chosen to start the team off....and thank goodness I started off with the best routine of my life!!! =)
TDG: Was there any gymnast or gymnasts that you looked up to while growing up? Is there any gymnast in particular that you admire?
Jaycie: When I was growing up the 2 gymnasts that I admired were MaryLou Retton....(I had the leotard and all) and Kim Zmeskal. And the cool thing about it is that I have met them both and actually become very good friends with Kim!
TDG: Do you have any predictions for the USA Team in 2000? How do you think the team (men and women) will do, and do any gymnasts stick out in your mind as All-Around contenders?
Jaycie: The women's team in 2000 could do anything. I think if they do what they have been doing and add a little more difficulty they will definitely be in medal contention. As far as who will be on the team that is hard to say. There are a lot of good girls out there. Vanessa Atler, I have to say is one of the most amazing athletes I have ever seen. She just amazes me. In my opinion she could take the whole competition if she hits. And as far as the men in 2000, I think they have a great chance to medal.....and even win. They have the strongest team that I have seen for the men. Blaine Wilson and Jason Gatson (who happens to be my boyfriend =) are definite all-around contenders. The US has a chance to really show their stuff in Sydney!!!!
TDG: Now that you've been to the Olympics, won a gold medal, and accomplished so much in the sport of gymnastics, what are your goals for the future, both in gymnastics and elsewhere?
Jaycie: My goals now in gymnastics are to give back to the sport what it has given me in the past 14 years. Talking to kids about the wonderful experiences I have had and giving autographs and doing shows....that is all a way of paying back to the sport. And I am coaching now and using the tools that helped me to help the kids that I train. And who knows where it will take me and if I even want to do it for a very long time, but while I am doing it and having a good time I am going to put as much into it as I can. And as far as outside of the gym I haven't really thought about what I want to be! But I am starting school in the fall and hopefully I can figure it out soon.
TDG: And finally... what do you think of our page, Top Dawg Gymnastics?
Jaycie: I think you guys have an awesome web page!!!! Lots of cool pictures and information that everyone wants to know about. Good luck!
Thank you Jaycie! We really appreciate you taking the time to give us the interview, best of luck to you in the future! Please visit Jaycie Phelps' Official Homepage!