Michigan State University Athletics
Through The Routine With Gymnast Nicole Curler
2/8/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Feb. 8, 2007
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State freshman Nicole Curler talks about her expectations for the remainder of the season, her national ranking on the balance beam and why the beam is her favorite routine.
Q: What has it been like as a freshman entering the Michigan State gymnastics program?
A: It has been really exciting just because our freshman class has been so big. There has been a lot of talk about it and how we're going to change the program a lot. So coming in, we have had very high expectations just from everyone knowing that our class has a very high skill level.
Q: Did you expect to have such great success early on in your collegiate career?
A: I did, I have high expectations for myself. So I always like to go beyond what I think I can do. I really didn't expect to get Big Ten Gymnast of the Week as a freshman.
Q: What are some of the goals you have set for yourself this year?
A: My main goal was to compete in the all-around this season, just because I had surgery on my ankle really late in the summer and they (doctors) didn't think I would compete at all this year. That was my first goal, to be able to compete. Another goal of mine is to win Big Ten's individually and make it to Nationals and do something there.
Q: Being ranked 17th in the country, with a 9.925 average on the beam, how does this impact your performance?
A: When I compete I really don't think about it. I just think about getting up there and getting my job done. Once I'm done, I always hope to get good scores, because it really helps out my team in the long run.
Q: Can you walk me through your beam routine?
A: I have a unique mount that we put together. I just kind of flare up, and that's kind of cool. Then my pass, I still think I'm one of the only people that does it, I do a one-arm back handspring, a one-arm back handspring and then a layout, which is a back handspring with no hands. Then I do a punch front - a no-handed front flip - then I just do some leaps and a turn. Then I dismount, which is a cartwheel gainer full.
Q: What is it about the beam that you enjoy so much?
A: I like beam a lot because it's so hard. I like the challenges that it gives you everyday. Having to stay on the beam, and dealing with nerves, just because its not easy, that's why I like it.
