Sloan wins World Championships all-around gold medal
By Luan Peszek Photo by John Cheng
The 2009 World Gymnastics Championships took place in London, Oct. 13-18, and the USA claimed a total of five medals, including two gold, one silver and two bronze. Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind., and Rebecca Bross of Plano, Texas, dazzled on the world stage in the women’s all-around final, going 1-2 in the all-around rankings. During event finals, the powerful Kayla Williams of Huntington, W. Va., won the gold medal on vault, the graceful Ivana Hong of Allen, Texas, won the bronze medal on beam, and Bross’s difficulty-packed skills on uneven bars earned her the bronze medal.
Bridget Sloan
USA Gymnastics: What the best part of the trip was for you? Bridget: The experience and the new memories, along with having the national anthem being played for my accomplishments.
USA Gymnastics: What was your best event and why? Bridget: My best event would have to be bars because it was my most consistent.
USA Gymnastics: What was it like to compete for the U.S. at the World Championships? Bridget: I was proud and honored beyond explanation to represent the U.S. at World Championships.
USA Gymnastics: What was it like earning a medal for the USA? Bridget: It's always an honor and a privilege.
USA Gymnastics: What was the food like? Bridget: The food was actually very good. We ate every meal at the hotel.
USA Gymnastics: Who did you room with? Bridget: Ivana Hong. We get along great!
USA Gymnastics: Did you get to sightsee? Bridget: We did take a tour bus around the London area which was a lot of fun.
USA Gymnastics: What is London like? Bridget: I love London. The people are very nice, the fashion is amazing, and I love all the history.
USA Gymnastics: Do you attend a high school? If so, how did you keep up with homework while you were traveling to the ranch and London? Bridget: Yes, I attend a high school. My teachers are really good about giving me assignments early and the internet really helps, too. I'm on fall break right now so that is good. I have some time to catch up.
