Going for the Gold: Chellsie Memmel

Aired on Lifetime Television
July 13 and August 31, 2008
Show 515

At 20 years old, Chellsie Memmel is 4 years older than the average Olympic gymnast. "It does affect," she notes, "I have to train differently. Younger girls push me to get better." When Chellsie was 16, an injury to her shoulder and foot kept her from going for the gold. It was devastating. But when it seemed her Olympic dream was gone, it was her family that kept her from giving up. Her mother's mental discipline is evident in Chellsie as she works toward the 2008 games in Beijing. Plus, with her dad coaching her, she can never lose sight of the goal. "I tell her this is YOUR goal, not mine," he says, "I'm helping you do what YOU said YOU wanted to do." Fortified by the mental strength of her parents—both former gymnasts by the way—Chellsie's winning attitude is unshakeable. Her sisters offer support, too: "We just go to all of her meets and cheer her on and say 'come on Chell, you can do it.'" For Chellsie, it's obvious that determination and support are a winning combination. As she says, "appreciate family."