I worked hard in gymnastics since the time I was six years old until I retired at 23 years of age.
I know how to smile, I know how to laugh, I know how to play. But I know how to do these things only after I have fulfilled my mission.
The only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet. 
Of course, I grew up in Communist Romania, but I am happy to say that now our country is democratic, and prospering, since the revolution in 1989. 
My parents were very loving, but disciplinarians. 
I like to tell young people to work hard for your goals and live in the moment. 
When you fall, leap to your feet and try again. 
For some people life outside the spotlight is death. 
Of course, most people remember that I received the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics competition. 
It was good to be a kid because I did not realise all the things that came with the success. Going to the Games, I was asked what I expected to do. 
My marriage to my husband, Bart Conner in 1996 is my proudest personal moment. 
One of the most difficult times in my life was when I escaped from Romania in November of 1989. 