"There is another way. A healthy and supportive way to make champions."
~Mattie Larson
"Mattie Larson you are a role model. I applaud and support you. But please NEVER say again you cost the team anything. Never say it to yourself and never let anyone tell you that ever. The 2010 team rallied from a third place qualifying round finish to WIN the SILVER medal."
~Lynn Raisman
Aly Raisman's "words to Mattie Larson"
I don’t even know what I’ve stumbled upon... towel heads.
"I really hope I’ve left a legacy where I loved to infuse the dance aspect of gymnastics... I think that’s so important with gymnastics, because it’s artistic gymnastics, and sometimes people lose sight of that. I hope people remember that I really liked to put a lot of thought into the little details, and I really cared about my performances... I loved to shine in performances. I really think it’s because of the fans in the audience. If nobody was there, I don’t think I would have enjoyed performing. I hope people remember me as a performer, and the fact that, if I didn’t have people cheering for me, I don’t think I would have enjoyed it for as long as I did." ~Mattie Larson (on her leagcy)
"I didn’t want to make the decision until I was 100% sure I wouldn’t have regrets, and I think that’s why it took me so long. I could have retired last year, or even before coming to UCLA, but there was no clarity. I was very, very sure I wouldn’t have regrets, and I’m pretty positive I won’t." ~Mattie Larson (on retirement)
"I didn’t plan on retiring at the point of my injury, but I think the injury gave me a very new perspective of the team, and I got to see it as a non-competitor, from someone who helps out and supports people rather than thinking about my gymnastics. That also might have impacted my decision of coming back next year as being a team manager. I love the team so much, but it was competing in gymnastics that I was ready to move on from, not the UCLA gymnastics program." ~Mattie Larson (on her retirement)
"I think it was a whole process since I’ve been at UCLA. I’ve known Miss Val and Chris since I was about seven, and they’ve known that, yes, I’ve had a lot of success in gymnastics, but it’s taken an emotional toll. It’s not an easy sport. My process here at UCLA made me feel that I could finally have a voice and make decisions for myself. For a while, I think I was ready to move on, and they finally gave me the chance to do so. I couldn’t imagine making this decision anywhere else or at any other time. I finally got clarity." ~Mattie Larson (on why she retired)
Throwback: In honor of Mattie Larson's recent retirement, here is her floor routine from Day 2 of the 2008 Olympic Trials.