Chellsie Memmel

By Alexa Ainsworth, Universal Sports

Chellsie Memmel is set to compete at CoverGirl Classic later this month after nearly two years away from elite competition. The 2005 world all-around champion spoke with UniversalSports.com about the nerves, an unexpected setback caused by her sister’s dog, and how she feels with just over one year until London 2012.

Were there times when you wondered if this was the right thing for you?

There were definitely some hard days. There always is. This is the first time I’ve taken a complete break from gymnastics, which was nice because my body needed a break- and my mind. The hardest part for me is getting back into shape and into gymnastics shape. That goes away so quickly and it’s hard to get it back. The skills came back pretty easily. It was putting those skills into routines and having that routine endurance that takes time. I’m still building that up. I’m not in full form yet.

You can run and you can do intervals on the bike, but there’s nothing you can do to fully stimulate doing a bar routine. You have to do them. That’s been the hardest part – getting back routine stamina and endurance.

When did you begin to feel like, “I’m back”?

Actually pretty recently. Bars has been the slowest to come back. I had a couple untimely things I had to take time off for. I tweaked my shoulder a little [in February] and then I had an accident with my sister’s dog. It was an accident, but he sliced my finger. I had to take two weeks off bars [in March]. I felt so pathetic, but it was deep and I didn’t want it to get infected and have to take even more time off, so I had to let it heal.

I finally felt like okay, this is totally possible just a few weeks ago. When everything started to get easier and I actually felt the progress being made I felt, ‘Okay this is possible. I can do this.’ (read more)

By Alexa Ainsworth, Universal Sports

Chellsie Memmel is set to compete at CoverGirl Classic later this month after nearly two years away from elite competition. The 2005 world all-around champion spoke with UniversalSports.com about the nerves, an unexpected setback caused by her sister’s dog, and how she feels with just over one year until London 2012.

You have done a few smaller competitions, but what are you feeling now just weeks away from CoverGirl Classic?

I’m definitely nervous. It’s my first time getting back out on the big stage in two years. The last time I competed was 2009, but that was only one event, beam at Championships. Before that, the last time I competed all-around was [2008] Olympic trials.

Are you already feeling the nerves, or is that something that happens once you actually arrive at the meet?

I’m feeling it already. I’ll be honest about that, but training is going well. I know I’m not going to be in top form right away because that’s not the training plan – to be the best at Classics. It’s the first stepping stone. Classics, then Championships, then selection camp.

Why did you decide to come back and put yourself through the pressure of competition again?

I like everything about this sport. Competing for me is a huge adrenaline rush. Showing people what you can do and vying for a spot on the team to represent your country – that’s an amazing thing to be able to do. (read more)

2008 Olympic team silver-medalist Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., has withdrawn from the final selection process for the U.S. Team for the 2009 World Championships, Oct. 13-15, in London, England.  Memmel, a former world champion, has been working her way back into competitive gymnastics after ankle surgery in late 2008. (read more)