You won't believe what all Nastia Liukin has been up to since her five gold medals
In 2008, she was competing and sticking landings of her own. Now, instead of watching from afar, she'll be commentating on the sport that catapulted her into the public eye 8 years ago.
SEE MORE: Check out everything you need to know about Rio 2016
Nastia Liukin won the women's all-around gold medal as well as the silver team medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. She tied the U.S. women's gymnastics record for the most medals won at a single Olympics with a total of five.
Photo: Getty
Since her own breathtaking beam days, Liukin graduated from NYU, competed on Dancing with the Stars, wrote a book, got engaged, designed her own line of gymnastics equipment and now she's making a career out of her expertise as an NBC gymnastics commentator for the Rio Olympics.
So basically what we're telling you is... she's been BUSY!
The five-time Olympic medalist is in a unique situation now. As a journalist, she must remain neutral. But when the headset comes off, she's back to calling the gymnasts her friends.
"As a recent gymnast and someone who still keeps in touch with all of the girls, I'm really able to give that insight into their entire world," Liukin told PEOPLE. "I put my game face on when I'm working, but when the mics are off I am still close with the girls!"
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That exclusive insight is what made Liukin appealing for the NBC broadcast team.
"With her pedigree and passion for the sport, she will work alongside Tim [Daggett] and Al [Trautwig] to not only to take viewers inside the action, but also explain what the athletes are experiencing on the biggest sports stage in the world," said NBC Olympics Executive Producer Jim Bell.
You may have seen her at work already in the 2016 Olympic Trials.
Photo: NBC
And you'll be seeing lots more of her when the Rio Olympics get started!