Kristen Maloney

Kristen Maloney is one of the greatest heroes of them all. I admire her greatly. She is very strong and friendly. She doesn't know me but a lot of people know who she is.

In the past few years, Kristen Maloney has had multiple injuries but kept doing gymnastics. Everyone at Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center admires her. When I go to practice, some nights I see her working out there. I love watching her.

She was just in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sidney, Australia. She came in twentieth place although she did very well on each event. I wish she would've placed better but maybe she'll go to the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

She held off a year of college at UCLA to go to the Olympics. She has a full scholarship! I'd like to have a scholarship to college someday, but I probably won't get a full one. I also probably won't get as good at gymnastics as she is now.

Those are the reasons that Kristen Maloney is my personal hero. I hope that everyone that watches her has a respect for her and what she is doing. She has the five things you need to be a successful gymnast. Strength, gracefulness, flexibility, and most importantly concentration and persistence. Someday, I hope to be like her.