Olympic Gymnast Shannon Miller: ‘The Gold Medal Mindset Sustained Me’

To help celebrate and mark the Summer Games in Paris (July 26-Aug. 11), AARP is checking with some of the most iconic figures in U.S. Olympic history about their magical moments — and the new passions that shape their lives today.

Shannon Miller was competing on the world stage by the time she was teenager, winning numerous medals and capturing the hearts of fans. Miller’s crowning achievements came at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. In Barcelona, she won an impressive five medals, the most by any American athlete at those Games. She solidified her legendary status at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, leading the “Magnificent Seven” to the first-ever team gold for the United States in women’s gymnastics and winning an individual gold on the balance beam. Beyond her Olympic triumphs, Miller has become an advocate for health and wellness, inspiring countless individuals through her battle with ovarian cancer and her dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles.

Golden Reflections: Honestly, it took a few decades to appreciate the full impact of the women’s team winning gold in Atlanta. It was definitely surreal to be standing on the podium, but now I see that the moment was bigger than just us. People still come up and tell me where they were, who they were with and what they were doing during the competition. These games aren’t just for the athletes, they inspire everyone.

Meaning in the Medals: The gold medal mindset sustained me before, during and after the games. The importance of setting goals, teamwork, not falling into the rut of negativity, getting back up after a fall, finding joy in small wins and not just pasting on a smile — these are as valuable in everyday life as they are in competition. I needed all that through raising young kids and it’s what got me through my cancer treatment [Miller was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer in 2011 and is now cancer-free]. No matter what happens, you know you can tap into that strength.