Win the Day with Olivia Karas

Samantha Peszek is on a mission to connect athletes, coaches, and parents with the best resources the gymnastics world has to offer. Utilizing Samantha’s gymnastics network, (she really does have cool friends) guests will be experts in their field and shed a light on hot topics, tips for improvement, and inspiration. Listeners will have the opportunity to learn from some of the sport’s greats, participate in giveaways, and apply relevant tips to everyday life, in and out of the gym.

Sam welcomes Olivia Karas to the podcast. She is currently a senior at the University of Michigan where she contributed to their 2019 Big Ten Championship. Olivia was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2016 and she has scored a 9.925 or higher on every single event, so far, of her career. In this episode, Sam and Olivia talk all about the peaks and valleys of Olivia’s collegiate career, from a devastating Achilles injury to competing in the Flip for Chip memorial meet. They preview the 2019 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Regionals, which will be held in Ann Arbor, Michigan this year. Finally, Olivia shares her fond memories of attending the University of Michigan as well as her plans for after graduation.

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Key Takeaways

• Sam thanks her sponsors, Tumbl Trak and Destira
• Introducing today’s guest, Olivia Karas
• Sam and Olivia recall early memories of each other
• Highlights from Michigan’s latest meet
• Sam and Olivia talk about scoreboard watching
• Olivia talks about her team’s energy and attitude throughout the meet
• Mid-season slumps
• Olivia talks about the all-around championship and being named co-champion
• What Olivia wants everyone to know about her team this year
• Olivia’s favorite part of the Big Ten Championships
• The strength and resiliency of Olivia’s team
• Becoming a leader and mentor for the younger teammates
• Michigan’s goals for the postseason
• The importance of having Regionals held at Michigan this year
• Sam and Olivia bond over their shared Achilles injuries
• Olivia encourages fans at Regionals to cheer loudly!
• Sam takes a moment to thank her sponsors once again
• How Olivia got started in gymnastics
• The college recruitment process
• The decision to attend The University of Michigan
• Olivia shares her favorite meet from her career, the Flip for Chip Meet
• How Olivia remained positive throughout the recovery from her Achilles injury
• Something Olivia would change about her gymnastics career
• Something Olivia would keep the same about her gymnastics career
• Why Olivia chose not to pursue Elite Gymnastics
• The assistant coach controversies
• Olivia’s decision not to return for a fifth year at Michigan
• Olivia’s plans for post-graduation
• The Michigan Alumni Quiz
• How Olivia’s four years in Ann Arbor impacted her
• Olivia’s favorite place in Ann Arbor
• The Madonna tweets
• Olivia’s favorite non-gymnastics memory from college
• Olivia reveals one thing people can do to get 1% better each day

Tweetable Quotes

“We have a freaking awesome beam team.”

“I have a tradition when my other classmate Emma McLean goes on floor that I scream, ‘I love you Emma McLean’ before she goes, as loud as I possibly can, like at the top of my lungs.”

“This team is pretty swag. I love this team.”

“But I think Michigan just always had a place in my heart from the minute I walked in there. And, ever since then, I wanted to make sure I came here and I couldn’t be happier that I chose Michigan.”

“I tried my best to have more happy, positive days than sad, mad days.”

“Remember that even bad things have good outcomes sometimes. And so just ride the wave and remember that every day that goes by, you can make it better just by your mindset.”

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