Q&A with gymnast Tasha Schwikert on her favorite TV dog
By usolympicteam.com // August 27, 2002
Q1: I am aware that you attend public high school in your hometown of Las Vegas. Do your classmates treat you any differently since you have accomplished so much in your gymnastics career? You have been to the Olympics, World Championships, and you are 2-Time National Champion. Are your classmates intimidated by you or do they treat you like a normal person? Also, do they watch you on TV when your competitions are on? That must be pretty cool knowing that all your friends are watching you on TV.
-- Kevin, 16, Allentown, Pa.
TASHA'S ANSWER: Actually no, my classmates don't treat me differently nor are they intimidated by me just because I am a top level gymnast. They treat me just the same as all of the other teenagers at school though there are sometimes kids who will be like..."Oh my gosh! That girl went to the olympics!" Yes, alot of people at school catch my competitions on TV sometimes are when I know that I'm going to be on I will let my friends know. I think it's so cool that they get a chance to see me do my gym on TV.
Q2: If MTV Cribs cameras were to come to your house, what room would you show them first and why?
-- Busta, 19, Brooklyn, N.Y.
TASHA'S ANSWER: If MTV Cribs came to my house I would probably show them my room first because it's actually a new room for me and its way cool. It is the second master bedroom in my house and I just moved into it. Very roomy, let me tell you!
Q3: Who are your gymnastics heroes and why?
-- Mary Lou, 34, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
TASHA'S ANSWER: My gymnastics heroes would probably have to be the 1996 Women's Olympic Team because they did something very wonderful and set a new standard for American gymnastics.
Q4: What are your three CDs you have to bring to a competition to psych you up?
-- Suzie, 15, Austin, Texas
TASHA'S ANSWER: I don't really have certain CD's that I take to meets to psych me up. I just take a random collection of alternative, r&b, punk and mixes of CD's.
Q5: Do you have a special meal that you like to eat, like do you eat a special bowl of lucky Spaghetti-O's with Meatballs or anything?
-- Frankie, 7, Seattle, Wash.
TASHA'S ANSWER: I don't have a special meal or type of food that I like to eat.
Q6: If you could do another Olympic sport, what would it be and why?
-- Eric W., 21, Napa, Calif.
TASHA'S ANSWER: If I could do another Olympic sport I would probably choose soccer because I played when I was younger and it was my second favorite activity besides gymnastics.
Q7: What are your hobbies or interests outside of gymnastics?
-- Rose, 44, Dearborn, Mich.
TASHA'S ANSWER: Outside of the gym I love to hang out with my friends, SHOP! (of course!), listening to music, and swim.
Q8: What is your favorite National Park in the United States and why?
-- Rick, 47, Portland, Ore.
TASHA'S ANSWER: I don't have a favorite National Park in the U.S. In fact, I don't think I''ve ever taken a trip to a National Park.
Q9: Who has produced better music: Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, The Jackson Five?
-- Larry, 34, Des Moines, Iowa
TASHA'S ANSWER: Michael Jackson ... all the way!
Q10: Who has produced better music: The Osmonds, The Brady Six, The Partridge Family?
-- Larry, 34, Des Moines, Iowa
TASHA'S ANSWER: I'm not familiar with those groups.
Q11: Which dog would you rather own and why: Spike (from Rugrats), Scooby Doo, Scrappy Doo or other?
-- Shaggy, 21, Phoenix, Ariz.
TASHA'S ANSWER: I would choose to own Spike from Rugrats ... he is soooo cute!
