Shannon Miller: My Child, My Hero by Claudia Miller

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Chapter Eight, Part 2

  • Event Finals
    • They were among the first to arrive
    • Peggy found them and told them Shannon would be 2nd on vault, 4th on bars, 2nd on beam, and 1st on floor. She was disappointed Shannon was so early in the lineups, afraid it would affect her placements. Parents were also frustrated–Shannon had come so far and worked so hard, it didn't seem fair. But they decided they should just be grateful she was competing in all EF
    • Shannon had been struggling on vault since her injury, so it was surprising she was in vault finals. She'd been working on a 'front somersault with a half twist' just before the injury, but she hadn't worked just the handspring front tuck for four months. She did her FTY first, then flashed the number for the handspring front tuck. This didn't surprise Claudia, but her landing it would. She ended up having a bit too much power and took a big step forward. They were happy at her 6th place finish
    • Had higher hopes for UB. Shannon had four releases and a difficult dismount. Lu Li had a fabulous routine and outscored her; Gutsu also outscored her but Claudia questioned her score as a judge. But they were ecstatic with Shannon's bronze
    • On beam, Peggy took over as Shannon's coach. Lu Li, the first competitor, had a great routine. Shannon did as well, with a little more difficulty, but also a balance check and a wiggle on the landing. She tied Lu Li. They were surprised that their score held up through the next five gymnasts and that they would get a medal. Lysenko had a spectacular routine for gold, and Lu Li and Shannon tied for silver.
    • Shannon was first on floor. She had a beautiful routine and was obviously relieved and elated. She had competed (and hit) 16 routines this Olympics. As the other athletes competed, Shannon's score held in medal contention. She held on to bronze, despite being the first competitor.
    • Shannon had set another record: Most medals won by an American in a nonboycotted Olympics
    • Reporters asked if she'd trade her five medals for a single gold. Her answer was an emphatic, "No." The Daily Oklahoma called her "Miss Consistency" and pointed out that she was the top competitor across the Olympics. She had a high score of a 9.975, a low of 9.837, and an average of 9.916
    • Claudia went to the railing hoping to see Shannon. This time Steve and Peggy brought Shannon over and lifted her up so they could give her a hug, and they arranged to come to the Olympic Village and take her sightseeing the next day. She hadn't seen any of Barcelona
    • Shannon's medals were achieved with no hometown advantage or political clout
    • Had never dreamed Shannon's Olympics would be this successful. They were proud of how she was conducting herself–focused, gracious, and happy.
  • The Day After
    • Arrived at the Village early the next day. Couldn't get anyone to tell Shannon they were there, no way to reach her. Her family was leaving for home the next morning
    • After two hours, she remembered the gentlemen who sat behind them during the AA had said he worked in the village and had given them her number. She dug it out and communicated she wanted to talk to him. After a while he came, got Steve, Peggy, and Shannon, and got them visitors' passes
    • Saw Shannon's room, which she shared with Dawes. It was so small they had to walk over their luggage to get to their beds. No AC, but a large window that opened toward the sea
    • Went the the athlete's gift shop and got some things for the kids
    • Shannon was regularly stopped by people wanting autographs
    • Shannon and Tessa did some pin trading
    • Went to La Rambla for shopping. They were surprised with how many people recognized Shannon. The kids begged for McDonalds
    • Shannon told them that the basketball Dream Team had visited the village. The gymnasts had met the players, toured their bus, and trader gymnastics paraphenalia for basketball souvenirs. Shannon had been napping and missed this–she learned about it when everyone else got back with their souvenirs. She was crushed. Steve went into action, spoke to John Tesh, and he got tickets for the game against Spain and an invitation for Shannon, Steve, and Peggy to go to the locker room afterwards. Peggy filmed the meeting, despite no cameras being allowed in the locker room. Shannon got to meet most of the players, including her favorites: Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Charles Barkley. Magic hugged her and told her he'd seen in the AA competition and loved it
    • The next morning, she was able to trade a workout leo and a long sleeved leo for five Dream Team items, including a shirt for her dad, with a trainer right before leaving for the airport
    • There was a party for the gymnasts right before they left. Nadia and Shannon shared the honor of cutting the big cake in the gymnasts' honor. During the party, they learned Trent Dimas had won gold on high bar, which added to the celebration
    • It had been a big two weeks, but they were looking forward to life going back to normal
 
I'm not sure. The exact quote here:

As always on the day of all-around competition we caught the early bus into Barcelona and watched the early rounds. Shannon would be competing in the evening rotation. Ron and I were too excited to worry about our appetites, but Tessa and Troy were as hungry as ever. We went to dinner with some friends from Puerto Rico whose daughter was training at Dynamo (and went on to compete in the 1996 Olympics for Puerto Rico). In their company, we were finally able to understand the Catalonian menu.

Back at the Palau Sant Jordi arena, we waiting in a long line, a practice that was all too common for us by now. Tessa and Troy brought books to read. The atmosphere was electric. Movie stars and some of the Dream Team were there to watch.
Click to expand...

From there she goes on to explain New Life and then goes into Shannon's performances. There are some obvious grammatical errors, so it might be an editorial mistake, or maybe there was something else gymnastics going on in the arena earlier in the day--a men's competition or something?
 
Thank you so much for the summaries! I read this book when it first came out, and it's fascinating to revisit it now.

Kerri Strug published her memoir a couple of years before this one. I can't recall why she left the Karolyis after Barcelona. Maybe because Bela "retired" in a snit after Zmeskal's subpar Olympics? Anyway, I remember thinking in '92-'93 that it was a terrible idea for her to move to Dynamo. Sure enough, she had a miserable time with Nunno. Naively, I wondered if MIller had a better experience because she was his first protegee , but her mom's book put any illusions to rest.
 
IratePanda said:
Thank you so much for the summaries! I read this book when it first came out, and it's fascinating to revisit it now.

Kerri Strug published her memoir a couple of years before this one. I can't recall why she left the Karolyis after Barcelona. Maybe because Bela "retired" in a snit after Zmeskal's subpar Olympics? Anyway, I remember thinking in '92-'93 that it was a terrible idea for her to move to Dynamo. Sure enough, she had a miserable time with Nunno. Naively, I wondered if MIller had a better experience because she was his first protegee , but her mom's book put any illusions to rest.
Click to expand...
I don't want to derail this thread, but Kerri post 1992 is a ride. You're right, Bela retired, and she first opted to go to Brown's in Florida. Then Dynamo, then back to Arizona where Artur Akopiyan would sometimes fly in and coach her. Then the short stint at Colorado Aerials, and finally back to Karolyi after 1995 worlds.
 
RedBirdie said:
I don't want to derail this thread, but Kerri post 1992 is a ride. You're right, Bela retired, and she first opted to go to Brown's in Florida. Then Dynamo, then back to Arizona where Artur Akopiyan would sometimes fly in and coach her. Then the short stint at Colorado Aerials, and finally back to Karolyi after 1995 worlds.
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Oh, yes. Whiplash-inducing.
 
Chapter Nine: Oklahoma–OK and More

  • Their flight was delayed and they called the neighbors who would be picking them up they would be late. They were puzzled when the neighbor said they'd have to contact television stations, but they were so tired they didn't ask questions
  • They couldn't imagine there would really be a camera at the airport since Shannon wasn't with them
  • When they disembarked, there were cameras from all the local news outlets. There were also dozens of friends, neighbors, and coworkers
  • On the way home, they got the itinerary for when Shannon arrived the next day. Shannon was being flown in on a private jet from DC, where senators and reps had held a reception for her. She would land at 11. A limo would take her parents to the airport and take everyone home. At 4, another limo would take them all to a parade in downtown Edmond at 5 pm. Neighbors were scheduled to bring them meals the rest of the week, since the Millers would be too busy to cook. Claudia was scheduled to work the next morning, but her boss was in on the plot and she wasn't expected.
  • They hadn't had access to any American newspapers or made international calls while in Barcelona and had no idea how much press Shannon was getting–they hadn't expected it, because there were so many incredible athletes. They were not prepared for the crowds at the airport when Shannon got home, for her to be immediately whisked away for interviews, for five thousand people outside (it was a weekday!). Shannon was overwhelmed. She greeted everyone, let them know how happy she was to be home. Steve picked her up so everyone could see her–she tolerated it, but told Claudia later she had been terribly embarrassed–after all, she was 15
  • Shannon was whisked away for more interviews. Ron went with her, Claudia collected Tessa and Troy who were also being asked for autographs.They got in the limo and told Shannon a parade. Everyone thought it sounded ridiculously funny that they were having a parade just for her–no one had given them any details, and they hadn't had time to think about the questions they should be asking. They thought it would take maybe five minutes and just annoy commuters
  • People lined the streets for two and a half miles, carrying all kinds of signs–media estimates were 15,000 spectators. Shannon got a car to herself, then Steve and Peggy, and then the rest of the family. Three helicopters followed it. The high school marching band played and the cheerleaders performed, and local gymnasts did cartwheels. At the end local officials met Shannon, giving her many gifts including a bright red 1992 saturn for a year. Shannon wasn't old enough to drive, but her dad would take her to the gym in it. When reporters realized the car was only on loan, they weren't happy about it and the public got upset about it. The dealership owner reviewed the tapes and realized it had sounded like they were giving her the car and decided to do that. When the owner told Shannon, she asked if the person who made the presentation at the parade was in trouble. When told no one was in trouble, she happily accepted
  • A new town sign was erected, "Home of Shannon Miller, winner of 5 medals, 1992 Olympics"
  • Shannon wanted to give back, so when she was asked to be the Oklahoma Miracle Balloon Chairman of the Children's Miracle Network Telethon she accepted. She also served as a spokesperson for the Red Ribbon Campaign (Drug Free Youth) and supported the American Lung Association, March of Dimes, Feed the Children, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Pediatric AIDS, Henrietta Egleston Hospital for Children in Atlanta, Stay in School, Kid Care, Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, lots of local school activities, Kids We Care, and others
  • Being a celebrity has its privileges, but it obligates you to share yourself with your community
  • Home life was constantly interrupted by phone calls. Shannon couldn't talk to everyone, so they had to develop a set of questions to determine if callers actually knew Shannon or were just gymnastics junkies. She also got hundreds of fan letters a week, including marriage proposals and letters from children who were sick, impoverished, or in bad family situations.
  • Steve had suggested they get an agent after she made the Olympic team. Before leaving for Barcelona, he had had Ron and Claudia come in and talk to two agents. They signed with ProServ (agent Jerry Solomon) right before she left, with the quiet understanding that if she didn't do well, they would quietly end the relationship
  • After Shannon's silver, Jerry had warned them life was going to change dramatically
  • Learned Steve had been negotiating with ProServ and an organization called Bill Graham Presents to stage a gymnastics tour early in fall 1992; Shannon would get top billing and be joined by other US team members, Gutsu, Boginskaya, and members of the men's gymnastics team
  • Shannon was busy with daily appearances and also had to prepare for USAG's tour. She was excited to do the tours, which gave her a chance to perform, which she loved, with no judges
  • Shannon was beginning to make real money. Parents had always paid her expenses and would continue to do so until she was old enough to assume responsibility for her own business dealings. Put her money in savings and investments. When she wanted something special, they did a pro/con discussion. Her biggest special purchase was an above-ground pool. Ron said he'd build the deck if she bought the wood.
  • Shannon's celebrity, money, and car raised Tessa's hackles a bit. She spent long hours babysitting, working summers at the bank, and doing telemarketing to raise enough money to buy a used car. Shannon was given a new one. Tessa had helped Shannon wherever she could, and people were giving Shannon gifts. Troy was younger and less competitive, so he was less bothered other than getting tired of being referred to as "Shannon's little brother" at school. There was a long talk with Tessa to remind her about all the hard work Shannon had put in to get this success
  • Tessa coped well when her emotions settled a little. Shannon also included Tessa on some more exciting activities, like box seats at athletic events and meeting celebrities. Shannon also sometimes bought expensive items Tessa needed but couldn't afford, like a laptop computer. She also did that for Troy, for example, getting him a good microphone for his band.
 
Chapter Ten: Sweet Sixteen

  • Shannon was going into her sophomore year of high school (10th grade). She had taken only four classes in the spring, to have time to prepare for the Olympics. Now she was out of town for stretches of time. The tour organizers hired a tutor to make sure she stayed on track. She had to do all classwork and take all tests, but the school let the tutor administer them
  • Terri Thomas, the tutor, was good at math and could help Shannon with her algebra and spoke Spanish, the language Shannon was taking
  • The tour showed Shannon a new side of gymnastics and helped her be more comfortable with the spotlight. She was already good at time management, and it improved more here, squeezing school work into every spare bit of time
  • Stress of the tour was different from competition. Steve, always a dictatorial coach, felt he should make all the decisions. Shannon was more mature and self confident and ready to make decisions for herself. And she wasn't sure what she wanted her future to be after the tour ended. Steve thought Shannon hadn't peaked as a gymnast and was afraid of losing her. He told her he should be her manager as well as her coach and that she should skip an appearance
  • Shannon was upset. She told Steve she couldn't go back on her word. He issued an ultimatum–if she flew out and did the engagement, she would have to find another coach. If he couldn't be her manager, he wouldn't be her coach.
  • When he left, Shannon began to cry. She had planned to keep training until she decided if she wanted to continue with gymnastics, and she wanted Steve as her coach. Terri was in the room when this happened and called Claudia and Ron. By the time Shannon came to the phone, she had decided to do the deal and Terri agreed to take Steve's ticket and fly back with her. The parents were even more distressed than Shannon.
  • Ron called Peggy and told her what had happened and invited her to the event in Steve's place. Peggy told Shannon it would be fine and encouraged her to come to the gym to work out that evening
  • Steve let her work out, but he was hurt. He hadn't expected Shannon to defy him. Peggy put up with it for a while and coached Shannon on all four events, but eventually she had enough. Steve was not talking to Ron and Claudia at this point. Money was an issue between the Millers and Steve
  • They hadn't planned to get an agent until Steve had pressured them into it because they didn't want to put an emphasis on money. When Shannon had won some prize money in 1991, Steve had asked for a share because he felt it was a team effort, and the Millers agreed. He wanted 50%, which they thought was too much. Asking around, they were told an agent would take 10-15%. They decided to compromise at 30%. Now Shannon had an agent who received a share of her money who also had expertise in public relations, finance, legal matters, and contact. Steve did not that expertise.
  • Steve was still a beneficiary of Shannon's success. The Millers did not, however, expect him to share any of his expanded income with Shannon. He was paid for accompanying her and coaching her. They felt it was better for him to remain a coach and an objective third party to handle her appearance fees.
  • Steve also felt the need to have more control over Shannon's career, both inside and out.
  • When Shannon returned from the tour, they finally wrote Steve a letter asking for a meeting. Peggy insisted he do it. They told Steve he wouldn't be Shannon's manager, but the agency should consult him before scheduling appearances so no conflicts developed. Regarding money, Shannon was willing to assist in getting sponsors for the gym and would see Steve was paid if he went with her to an appearance. Steve had a lot of gym expenses she did not, but she also did not receive any income from the gym. Both sides felt they were a good team and wanted the relationship to continue.
  • A little later, they found a newborn puppy in their yard and their dog wouldn't come. When they found her in her doghouse, she had two more puppies with her. Their dog accepted the puppy back, but not before Shannon declared they had bonded. She said she would pay all food and vet bills, and Troy was eager to take care of it while they were gone. So they found homes for the other two dogs when they were old enough and kept that puppy, who was named Dusty
  • Shannon decided to compete at least through the next World Championships, and her hectic schedule eventually eased up
  • One day Steve told Shannon that Kerri Strug was coming to train at Dynamo. Claudia was a little worried after what had happened with Erica, but Shannon liked Kerri and knew her pretty well after the last few years, and it would be nice for her to have a real training partner. Steve considered it a coup to have attracted a gymnast of Kerri's level and Shannon wondered how this would affect her–she was used to being the favored child in the gym
  • Kerri and Shannon were both working DTYs, and Shannon was determined to learn it first. They competed hard against each other, but were also friends and sympathized with each other.
  • Dynamo Classic
    • Steve entered them both in the Dynamo Classic in late January. For Shannon it was a hometown meet with both pressure and inspiration. For Kerri it was new territory
    • Both performed well, but Shannon had a fall off beam on a new skill. Kerri took gold, Shannon silver, and Shannon wasn't pleased
  • Both girls had been experiencing back pain beginning a day or two before the meet. The trainer provided daily therapy. After the meet Steve eased up on workouts and Kerri's pain improved, but Shannon's got worse. The trainer wanted Steve to ease up more, but Steve and Shannon knew it wasn't possible because she would be competing in the American Cup in March
  • Pain kept getting worse. A week before the meet, Mark suggested a cortisone shot. Shannon was horrified–she hadn't had a shot since she was a baby and didn't want one now. Steve and the trainer urged her to try it, because Steve worried she might miss Worlds as well. Shannon had the shot, and it helped
  • American Cup
    • Kerri was in the lead after prelims, after Shannon fell on beam
    • Shannon came back in finals not wanting a repeat of the Dynamo Classic and won the AA and all event finals
  • Shannon was assured a berth on the World team because of her Olympic performance, but Kerri had to compete at American Classic, which doubled as Worlds Trials. Only two team members would be chosen
  • Shannon needed the DTY because the FTY had been devalued to a 9.8, but he didn't want her doing all events with her back, so he entered her on bars and vault. She made the vault with a weak landing. Kerri had a great meet and made the Worlds team, along with Dawes
  • Shannon turned 16. A local jewelry store sponsored her party at a location of her choice–a local fun center with different entertainment, including mini golf. They also gave her a diamond pendant on a gold chain. Shannon won herself a giant stuffed flamingo. There was then a slumber party at a local hotel
  • GK Elite wanted Shannon to represent them. Shannon was excited at the idea–she'd mostly worn GK leotards over her career. Shannon also wanted active involvement in the fabric and designs, and in choosing the logo
  • They hired a marketing person to design a logo and sent about 15 to Shannon, who rejected them all. She described to them what she wanted and got 15 more. There were one or two she could live with, but they still weren't what she wanted. Shannon had Tessa design a logo that Shannon liked, and GK agreed it was better than the previous ones
  • Shannon picked the fabrics from samples, and when the sample leotards were made GK hired a model about Shannon's size and sent them to Shannon for review
  • They'd been surprised how seriously Shannon took the logo. They were more surprised by her meticulous notes on leotards, and they took her feedback seriously. The GK rep and Shannon made a good team.
  • Shannon models all her own designs for the catalogue, about 4 sessions a year, 6 or 7 hours a session, usually right after a workout.
 
An interesting note on the controversy of how much of Shannon's money Steve should get is that Peggy does not seem to have felt entitled to Shannon's earnings. Admittedly, she wasn't the head coach, but as the compulsory and beam coach, she was the one who coached Shannon on the things she was most successful on. I have no idea if she had any profit sharing from the gym or if she was salaried/hourly
 
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