Nastia Liukin: Why Superstar Isn't at London Olympics

Only the hardened Olympic fans will have a true hold on the athletes delighting us with athletic brilliance over the next couple weeks. Most will be left to wonder what happened to former stars, much like Nastia Liukin. 

The last time most of the nation saw of Liukin, she was standing triumphant at the Beijing Olympics, the winner of a gold medal in the all-around, collecting silvers in the team, uneven bars and balance beam. She also managed a bronze in the floor exercises. 

Unfortunately, the glory in 2008 would not accompany her in the Olympic trials in 2012. 

Liukin fell from the uneven bars and ended up scoring a 13.950. That was good for 10th on the bars, and she also placed seventh on the beam, via Washington Post. 

The crowd in attendance sent off the champion with a rousing applause, fitting for an athlete who we will all remember for her exploits four years ago. 

Liukin had this Tweet at the time:

"

Thank you to the 18,000 people that gave me a standing ovation tonight. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life.

— Nastia Liukin (@NastiaLiukin) July 2, 2012"

Cindy Boren of The Washington Post has a great report on the athlete who will be on the outside looking in at London. 

For the next couple of weeks, she will be at the games as a representative of the Federation of International Gymnasts. 

By January, she will matriculate to NYU. 

Via Business Wire, Liukin will also have a hand in promoting a new toy from Mattel. The interactive Fantastic Gymnastics Dora will get small children excited about the sport by accomplishing several moves like, "splits, handstands and back-bends."

Regardless of her mistake in 2012, we will always remember her for her accomplishments in 2008. 

That makes her something every athlete strives to become, an Olympic gold medalist. 

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