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Born: 10 March 1977 in Missouri, USAFACT FILE Competed in two editions of the GamesHOW THE GAMES CHANGED MY LIFEThe Olympic Games certainly gave me a larger platform for the things I do today. Growing up very shy, I had to learn quickly how to deal with the media and how to find my voice. I wasnÕt comfortable talking about myself, or my personal accomplishments, but learned over time that I could take that platform and use it to help others. In addition, I truly believe that the life lessons I learned through sport and through that journey to the Olympic Games were the most important that IÕve ever learned. ItÕs those lessons that have helped me in business, as a mother, and most definitely through my cancer battle. THE OLYMPIC VALUESDuring my first Olympic Games, I learned a lot about the Olympic values and, of course, the Olympic spirit. For me, it was an opportunity to be a part of an event that was so much more than gymnastics or competition. It was amazing to feel like a part of a much larger family. I was really excited to share that with my children before the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.Above rightShannon Miller is inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame in 2005BelowMiller (far right) with the other members of the ÒMagnificent SevenÓ team in Atlanta in 1996Olympic medals Age when making Olympic debut715 2 Gold BeamTeam all-around(Atlanta 1996)2 Silver BeamIndividual all-around(Barcelona 1992)3 Bronze FloorTeam all-aroundUneven bars(Barcelona 1992)ÔI LOVED HAVING A LARGE AUDIENCE; I USED IT TO HELP ME THROUGH MY MORE DIFFICULT ROUTINES’SHANNON MILLERMY LIFE AFTER THE GAMESI donÕt know that the transition is easy for any Olympic or professional athlete, especially for those who retire at a young age. It took me a few years to really figure out who I was without gymnastics, without training over 40 hours a week with my sports family. However, the lessons learned through sport really helped me. My parentsÕ focus on education for me allowed me a softer landing because I had that foundation. After the Olympic Games in 1996, I finished my undergraduate degree in marketing and entrepreneurship from the University of Houston and went on to get my law degree from Boston College. I had the goal of starting my own company and foundation. In 2007, I started the Shannon Miller Foundation, which fights childhood obesity by reducing barriers to physical activity for children. We now support over 8,000 children through our in-school running clubs. In 2010, I launched my company Shannon Miller Lifestyle with a focus on health and fitness. These days I have the wonderful opportunity to speak professionally and focus on ways that we can all make health and fitness a part of our everyday lifestyle. Of course, I also like to stay involved with gymnastics and do so as an analyst and commentator, which allows me the best of both worlds! ■72 OLYMPIC REVIEW MY GAMES