Inside Quick Chat: Mattie Larson

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Last year, Mattie Larson (pictured on the cover of the July/August 2009 issue) emerged on the U.S. gymnastics scene with a bang. In only her second season as an Elite gymnast, and her first as a senior-age-eligible athlete, Larson leapt from unknown to Olympic favorite in a single bound.

Seventh overall at both the 2008 U.S. Championships (bronze on floor) and Olympic Trials, Mattie Larson made the leap from junior standout to senior shining star in a relatively short period of time. On track to challenge for a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team, Mattie’s dreams were derailed during the final trials process with an injury that was later found to be a broken leg. This year she seemed on course to earn a position on the World team but then suffered yet another injury to both legs and ankles at a training camp leading to the 2009 Nationals.

While the series of setback would leave many questioning their future in the sport, Larson, in typical fashion, is more determined than ever to make her mark on the sport on the world scene. We witnessed that determination first hand at this year’s Nationals, watching Larson take part in every minute of training, working on conditioning with the same vigor that she would traditional podium training. Offering encouragement to the competitors, taking time to sign autographs for fans and graciously answering questions from the media, Larson made the absolute most of what was undoubtedly a difficult circumstance.

The daughter of actors Eric Larson and Gail Boggs, Mattie is articulate, confident and a true please to speak with. Inside Gymnastics had a chance to catch up with the 17-year-old this week for this chat on the web and a segment in our January/February issue…

How has this year been coming back after a string of injuries in your first year as a Senior?

Considering that I had a pretty bad leg injury last year and having a leg injury again this year, I kind of knew what it would take coming back. It was almost easier for me because I could motivate myself to come back because I wasn’t as afraid. It just takes a little time. I knew I’d be able to come back but I knew it was going take time. This time I sprained and fractured my ankles. I wasn’t going to beat myself up and think “oh if I hadn’t done that pass I wouldn’t have hurt myself.” Because it wasn’t during something that counted toward my scores on floor, it was frustrating a bit to think I didn’t have to do that pass. But I wasn’t as scared coming back as the first time.

You made an impressive jump from the junior to the senior ranks. Talk about that transition…

For me, it wasn’t a big difference between seniors and juniors. Just… seniors get more press, and the competitions are very different. I’m pushed more as a senior because there are more competitions but that’s fun for me. I like it. I’m hoping this year is just going to be fun.

What’s your timeframe for returning to competition?

I’m hoping [my first competition back will] be the American Cup. If I’m ready then I’m going to try. I think that’s around February and I’m really hoping I can make that.

Are there any new skills we’ll be seeing from you this season?

I’m trying to update my bar routine and beam is really important. I’ve been working on little skills more than hard tumbling. I’d like to get a second vault. I think that would really help me. On floor, it’s really just connecting passes. It’s kind of more upgrading and improving more than learning new skills though.