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2003 was a standout year for Nebraska's Richelle Simpson. A successful junior year culminated with the NCAA all-around and floor titles. Competing in front of a home crowd, Richelle hit every routine she performed at NCAA's, and that got her thinking about the upcoming summer and the possibility of returning to elite competition. Richelle and Nebraska assistant coach Adrian Burde devised a plan to pace her training through the summer in an attempt to make the Canadian World team. Adding new skills (Yurchenko 1 1/2; back handspring, layout, layout on beam; front double full and two whips through to double pike on floor) to her already difficult routines made Simpson an obvious choice for the Canadian team. She competed on three events (everything but bars) at the Pan American Games and World Championships, contributing to Canada's 11th place finish that qualified them for next year's Olympics. Inside Gymnastics talked to Richelle before practice at the University of Nebraska about her experience at Worlds, why college gymnastics is so fun, and her plans after the Olympics.
Inside Gymnastics: Was your first World Championships what you expected?
Richelle: It was an incredible experience. I had no expectations going into the meet because I never thought I could be in a position to make the world team. I had no preconceptions about what it would be like to compete there.
Inside: You competed at NCAA's in April and immediately began training for Canadian Nationals, then Pan American Games, and then Worlds. Was if difficult to keep going with no summer break?
Richelle: It was definitely tough. Everyone from the team was relaxing and not training much. There would be days when I would ask myself, "Wow, is this really worth it?" It was difficult because there was a lot of uncertainty going into the summer. We didn't know if I was going to make the team and we wanted to be smart about my training. Adrian and I would talk about my training and assess when I could take a day off or a week off. It was a long season and a long summer. We wanted to have effective training but also stay healthy. Making sure my body was healthy was our priority.
Inside: The Canadian Federation sent the same team to Pan American Games and Worlds. Do you think it was helpful having that experience right before Worlds or do you think it hindered the team performance because of the endurance factor?
Richelle: Well the Canadian Federation has never done this before. I didn't know how it would be for me; I had no idea what to expect. It was hard on us. Pan Am's were a new experience. It was difficult to get used to the heat, no AC, and having six girls staying in the same room. Several of the girls got sick while we were there. Then we went to Anaheim and had to adjust to that environment. We were just a little drained. A couple of the girls got sick again [Teammate Gael Mackie was forced to withdraw because of illness.] So it was definitely a learning experience. I'm not sure if they'll do it like that in the future.
Inside: Nebraska has a new team this year (four seniors and two transfers lost from last season). What are your expectations for this season? What are your team goals?
Richelle: Yeah, we have a new team but our goals are still the same (challenge for a national title). We have a lot of new girls but they are very talented. So we might not be ranked really high at the beginning of the season like we usually are. But I think we'll improve throughout the season and be right in there.
Inside: Do you make individual goals of do you focus primarily on the team?
Richelle: No, every year I have been in college gymnastics my individual goals are always to do my best for the team. I work hard so I can contribute to the team score and bring in a good score. So it will be the same thing this year. I work hard for the team. Our goal is always to do our best and enjoy ourselves.
Inside: What do you attribute your success to this season: hard work, coaching, support from your teammates, or a combination?
Richelle: Definitely a combination of all those things. Everyone at school was really happy for me and supported me. Adrian came the same year I did and he is incredible. He helped my gymnastics so much. He pushed my limits and showed me that I was capable of doing things I didn't think I could do. Not only skills but being confident in myself and my abilities. All of my teammates and other coaches encouraged me when I was doubting myself and helped pick me up. Obviously nothing comes without hard work and it is great when it all pays off.
Inside: What teams do you think will be your biggest challenge this year?
Richelle: There are so many good teams! It is incredible. I think [it will be] the traditional powerhouse schools like Georgia, Alabama, Utah, UCLA, and Michigan. Really there are a lot of teams that are on the rise and will be moving toward the top six. But we have the same mentality: to do our best.
Inside: What makes college gymnastics so fun?
Richelle: Definitely the team atmosphere. In club you are on a team and you have teammates but it is not team oriented. So when you get to college, everything is about the team and what we can do to perform at our best as a team. It is great to know that you have teammates that are behind you. It's amazing to be working with a team toward a goal that is bigger than you. That is the biggest motivator. It makes it so much more fun when you get that good score or accomplish that goal. It is an adrenaline rush.
Inside: We interviewed AJ Lamb (former Nebraska teammate) a few weeks ago and she mentioned that you may join her at Cirque du Soleil after you finish your career in gymnastics. Is that still something that you are thinking about?
Richelle: Yeah. Ever since I saw a Cirque show in Toronto when I was little I have wanted to be a part of it. Whether or not it will happen I don't really know. If I get a chance to be a part of it I think it would be great.
Inside: Will you continue with gymnastics after the Olympics?
Richelle: Doubtful. I've been doing this for a very long time. I'm excited. I'm ready to see what life is like without gymnastics and not in the gymnastics bubble that we all get in. I'm excited to see what my profession will be and where it will take me. I would like to do some sort of performance. Whether that is Cirque or something else, I'd like to use my gymnastics skills for a couple more years.
Inside: Thanks Richelle and good luck this season.
Richelle: Thank you!
- Special Thanks to Inside Gymnastics Magazine