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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
@@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.
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.
+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!
@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.
@bellaimages you're only hearing one side. McKayla was an emotional gymnast, very affected by what others were doing. To avoid things around her messing with her head, they came up with a way around it! Many girls with the same coaches smile, don't face a wall, & watch & talk to the competition. That was what the coaches came to WITH MCKAYLA to prevent her from being a headcase at major competitions(which had happened before). There's always 2 sides!
@@bellaimagesIt’s also sounds like her coach’s/ trainers abused her as well. What individual in their right mind even one that wants you to succeed. Would lie about how you’re doing physically, tell you not to smile and embrace every moment and not talk with your fellow teammates. That’s just horrible and so very wrong.😔😔😔 I wouldn’t be surprised if her coaches / trainers were the weren’t the only ones that trieated their trainee this way either.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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 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.
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!
+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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
12:31 Everyone forgets that McKayla Maroney competed on a broken foot in the London Olympics to help Team USA win gold, not to mention that she won the individual silver medal in vault, which is nothing to smirk at.
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.
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.
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.
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! :)
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 💎
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!!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
+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.
Gbh, I mean she's so adorable & very, very mature/smart..all she said make so much sense...cause believe, Depression can Really Suck Everything out us.
Unfortunately in high level competition kids get pushed to the max beyond breaking point. I took my daughter out of swimming after she qualified in 8 events at Nationals. Parents thought i was crazy. A lot of the times parents want the dreams and goals more than the child. My daughter is 16 now and I don't regret having taken her out. Instead of working 5-6 hours 6 days a week i have her do other positive things like learn to type ect.....She continues to do some workouts at home with our own equipment . Swimming did implement the need to do exercise in her mind and not just have a lay around attitude.
Who cares about a name that could have been. Good luck to you and your daughter but Internet is a place for famous people to make headlines and we the Geeks to criticize. No one knows your daughter because you did the right thing which was help her quit and avoid getting criticized by the Geeks. So credit to you. I wish all parents are like you, we wouldn't have internet and that would have really sucked. With that said, get the fuck off the internet before I change my mind.
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!!!!
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! 😊💕
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 ❤️❤️🇬🇧
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
Has anybody else noticed she has pretty much dropped off the face of the earth? She deleted all of her videos off her youtube channel, the single she said would be out in September never appeared, she shut down her Instagram page and hasn't posted on Twitter in a long time (No I'm not a stalker, just a lot of time on my hands). With her history of depression, I really do hope she is OK.
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
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.
love her cute laughs and giggles a bit. Also, her voice is so adorable like I wish i could meet her at some point, but yh I don't watch olympic but I know that she do great at olympic Gymnastic.
it's no secret the bs these young gymnast's go through. I hope like some of the others she is able to continue to find happiness, and lead a normal life. She young, accomplished, gorgeous, and motivated. Only thing that can stop her now is her.
Everybody knows she was the best Vaulter in the world 2012 whether she won the Gold or not. Glad she's moving on now and living a healthier life, I hope she becomes a motivation speaker, she'd be amazing. At the same time, I'm sad to hear how abused she was while competing. What a world, gymnastics these days sounds almost as destructive as the entertainment industry... Cheers to Kayla , to your next chapter in life!
reminds me a lot of dominique moceanus memoir ' off balance'. both ladies have a lot in common.both very strong young women who were very succesful and overcame tremendous obstacles.their honesty will help heal many others
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
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! :)
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!
This interview actually makes me angry. The story of gymnastic is full of abuses and disrespect for these girls that are put under a lot of unhealthy mental pressure, or even phisical abuse. It's not worth it. The entire sistem needs to be changed. I'd prefer less medals and more respect and humanity for these girls that are treated like medals-machines...otherwise we're not too distant from the 40 years ago USSR methods.
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 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.
cheddar pretzels agreed
True
McKayla Maroney
K
And yet, no one knew then, what was going to come out soon after 😞
She honestly needs to write a book about her life. It would be amazing and I would definitely buy it!
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.
i agree! great interview
Although I'm sad to not see Mckayla compete anymore... I am happy that she is enjoying life and is healthy again!
+JaRiK723 Blench No one cares
***** Who cares about your SPAM BULLSHIT.... (Reported)
WWE is calling McKayla Maroney lol
We love you Mckayla
Pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffft.
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.
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!
She is a pure heart woman
Her and Aly Raisman are still best friends. Both amazing women
Bruh.. I came here after I watched the whole Meme event... then I saw the HBO documentry ... She is a class act.
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.
What about the Karolyi's? Why do they skate away from any punishment?
Do you know her coaches? Did you hear what McKayla said about them before this?
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!
+Isabella Hatkeinennachnamen I agree completely, this is the most truthful and honest interview I've ever heard.
I think she would be a fantastic coach!
Holy shit, you look exactly like the octopus mom
Maybe. She talks too much though.
Yes and no. Really depends on how she coaches
I think she would be a great mentor for gymnasts or even sports psychologist.
@@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.
"I'm just ready to put my worth and value in something else." HEAR HEAR!!! Very healthy and honest realization.
Anita S Jackson too bad that something else is apparently music. It’s awful.
JTD472 I disagree. COVID LOCKDOWN has a great comedic elements. So do her other songs and she has a pretty voice.
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.
+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!
@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.
@bellaimages you're only hearing one side. McKayla was an emotional gymnast, very affected by what others were doing. To avoid things around her messing with her head, they came up with a way around it!
Many girls with the same coaches smile, don't face a wall, & watch & talk to the competition. That was what the coaches came to WITH MCKAYLA to prevent her from being a headcase at major competitions(which had happened before).
There's always 2 sides!
@@bellaimagesIt’s also sounds like her coach’s/ trainers abused her as well. What individual in their right mind even one that wants you to succeed. Would lie about how you’re doing physically, tell you not to smile and embrace every moment and not talk with your fellow teammates. That’s just horrible and so very wrong.😔😔😔 I wouldn’t be surprised if her coaches / trainers were the weren’t the only ones that trieated their trainee this way either.
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.
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!
And yes, it IS ok to say that some of what your coaches did was wrong and incredibly damaging to you!
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.
She's incredible. McKayla should be a commentator at the olympics.
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 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.
You didn't win Olympic
Only gymnasts understand
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.
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
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.
McKayla is such a beautiful person, inside and out.
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!
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.
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 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.
Just out of curiosity what things did she say? :) I was trying to see if I could pick up on more of that too
@amyj4106 at 11:30(ish) Jess says she wants a lifefeed from the camps.
McKayla says "people don't want that, cuz it's scary in there....."
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!
+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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is so amazing! McKayla is so inspiring and a true role model.
Y
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!
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.)
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.
ya these comment are bs. shes amazing
This interview NEVER gets old, never! Go 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.
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.
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.
WTF, it sounds like some of the U.S.A coaches need to serve jail time for more or less chronically assaulting their athletes.
If you think this is bad go look at what the Russians do to their athletes.
And Romanians
And Chinese
That is nothing in comparison to the Chinese like they whip them
Alyanna Ibay Still, doesn't excuse the USA coaches at all.
12:31 Everyone forgets that McKayla Maroney competed on a broken foot in the London Olympics to help Team USA win gold, not to mention that she won the individual silver medal in vault, which is nothing to smirk at.
first to like lol
@@delasse3178 ... and maybe last as well. ha ha.
Thanks! :)
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.
Exactly
Agreed. Simone says whenever she needs/needed a break, she always took it with no objection from her coaches.
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.
Would love an updated mckayla interview in 2020!
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.
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! :)
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 💎
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!!
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!
Rewatching this in February 2018: 😢
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!
That was such a great interview! Fantastic job, Gymcastic Crew! McKayla, you're amazing. Thank you for sharing everything, and for being so honest.
I can relate to this on so many levels. One of the hardest thing I ever have done was say goodbye to this sport
I hope you can look back and be happy for whatever decisions you've made.
Same 😖
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.
Great interview. Thanks.
And thanks to Tumbl Trak for supporting GymCastic.
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.
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
LOL
+Lisa Vega lol I thought it was clever 😂😂
Apparently she doesn't even try to make that face, it's sort of a thing she does when she's thinking
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.
Im not a gymnast at all but hearing mckayla talk about her experiences was so important to me thank you
watching this 8 years later is jaw dropping
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!
Best quote from McKayla “ instead of training them to their death, try to prevent them from dying” couldn’t have said it better 🥰
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!
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.
+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.
Good interview, i like when athletes/actors/musicians/politicians (lol) are honest but respectful. Gives good insight.
I love where this podcast is going!!! LOVE the animation intro :) :)
Gbh, I mean she's so adorable & very, very mature/smart..all she said make so much sense...cause believe, Depression can Really Suck Everything out us.
What an amazingly insightful and mature adult. All the best to McKayla - I'M IMPRESSED!
We were lucky to have you on team USA in London. Glad to hear you're doing well. Keep up the positivity! 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Unfortunately in high level competition kids get pushed to the max beyond breaking point. I took my daughter out of swimming after she qualified in 8 events at Nationals. Parents thought i was crazy. A lot of the times parents want the dreams and goals more than the child. My daughter is 16 now and I don't regret having taken her out. Instead of working 5-6 hours 6 days a week i have her do other positive things like learn to type ect.....She continues to do some workouts at home with our own equipment . Swimming did implement the need to do exercise in her mind and not just have a lay around attitude.
Did your daughter want to keep going though?
She did ,but only if there was a scholarship involved. Other than that then she considered it a waste of time and effort.
Who cares about a name that could have been. Good luck to you and your daughter but Internet is a place for famous people to make headlines and we the Geeks to criticize. No one knows your daughter because you did the right thing which was help her quit and avoid getting criticized by the Geeks. So credit to you. I wish all parents are like you, we wouldn't have internet and that would have really sucked. With that said, get the fuck off the internet before I change my mind.
Wow this is so professionally done!
This brought tears to my eyes, I'm so happy for Mckayla❤️
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!!!!
Probably my favorite gymnastics-related interview, ever.
At the end of the day this was a great interview.
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! 😊💕
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 ❤️❤️🇬🇧
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
Has anybody else noticed she has pretty much dropped off the face of the earth? She deleted all of her videos off her youtube channel, the single she said would be out in September never appeared, she shut down her Instagram page and hasn't posted on Twitter in a long time (No I'm not a stalker, just a lot of time on my hands).
With her history of depression, I really do hope she is OK.
John Dunn i noticed that
John Dunn
yeah i noticed as well :/
Sadly now we all know why :(
she’s back now and she has a song out and she seems like she’s thriving rn 😌✨
"I can still do a vault, no matter what", such an awesome chic
Wow that was the best interview. So real, so wise.
These are some interesting insights, thank you. And McKayla is so bubbly!
Still watching in 2019, she's so real!
She's very mature and has a lot of perspective at a young age
Love you and your mindset on things McKayla! We miss you in the competitions but love seeing what else you're doing now!
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
such an honest and poinent interview, brings me to tears. So, so insightful.
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.
love her cute laughs and giggles a bit. Also, her voice is so adorable like I wish i could meet her at some point, but yh I don't watch olympic but I know that she do great at olympic Gymnastic.
it's no secret the bs these young gymnast's go through. I hope like some of the others she is able to continue to find happiness, and lead a normal life. She young, accomplished, gorgeous, and motivated. Only thing that can stop her now is her.
Everybody knows she was the best Vaulter in the world 2012 whether she won the Gold or not. Glad she's moving on now and living a healthier life, I hope she becomes a motivation speaker, she'd be amazing. At the same time, I'm sad to hear how abused she was while competing. What a world, gymnastics these days sounds almost as destructive as the entertainment industry... Cheers to Kayla , to your next chapter in life!
Her name is mckayla not Kayla
reminds me a lot of dominique moceanus memoir ' off balance'. both ladies have a lot in common.both very strong young women who were very succesful and overcame tremendous obstacles.their honesty will help heal many others
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
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! :)
Wise young lady. Awesome words of inspiration inside AND outside the world/life of gymnastics.
I met McKayla on the 2013 world championships as I was working there as my volunteer. She is so amazing and I loved her even more from that moment ❤
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!
This interview actually makes me angry. The story of gymnastic is full of abuses and disrespect for these girls that are put under a lot of unhealthy mental pressure, or even phisical abuse. It's not worth it. The entire sistem needs to be changed. I'd prefer less medals and more respect and humanity for these girls that are treated like medals-machines...otherwise we're not too distant from the 40 years ago USSR methods.
Go to Australia
Undefined D Australia’s program also had/has abusive practices. There was a lot of athletes coming forward last year.
You're peach I hope you be in her shoes
@@jaklinhanna3886 ?
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🙂
Your moment was the most beautiful vault I have ever seen. It was perfection and you will always be performing as a gymnast in my memory.
more video episodes PLEASE!!!