Alicia Sacramone helped the U.S. gymnastics squad secure silver, even if she didn’t have her best meet (she fell on beam and floor). Days later, this tough-as-nails chick dazzled on vault, only to miss bronze by .025. This 20-year-old has been a gymnastic world champ on two events, the Ivy League Rookie of the year (so, yeah, she’s way smart, too) and has great taste in music (check out her playlist below!). All around? This girl is golden. 

GL: What's your favorite way to relax after a crazy stressful day?

Alicia: I really like driving, as funny as that sounds. It takes about an hour or more with traffic to drive from school (Brown University, Providence, RI) to where I train. The time in the car listening to music always seems very peaceful. 

GL: Your academic career is way impressive, just like your gymnastics. What's your advice for balancing school and sports?

AS: Being so busy has really helped me balance my life and manage my time well. Gymnastics and school can both be stressful at times, so it’s always good to have an outlet when I need one. When I’d get a break from training, it was great to be able to go back to school to hang out with my friends and escape for a bit.

GL: What do you always bring with you when you are traveling to a faraway meet?

AS: I always bring a travel pillow on planes. I also travel with my iPod, computer, DVD’s, hair straightener and Cliff bars.

GL: Fill in the blank: When I'm not in the gym, I'm...

AS: …in school.

GL: When I’m not in school, I’m…

AS: …having fun with my friends.

GL: What kind of music do you listen to before a big meet?

AS: I like a lot of different types of music. Pop, hip-hop and dance are great before competition.

GL: What's your best advice for our readers on how they can bounce back from a bobble either in life or in the gym? 

AS: Get back up and keep going!

Alicia spills her pre-competition playlist!

Sexy Back – Justin Timberlake
Illusion – Bernassi Bros. ft. Sandy
I Want Your Soul – Armand Van Heldsen
Ecstasy – Danity Kane ft. Rick Ross
Got Me Going – DAY 26
Take You There – Donnie Klang
Closer – Ne-Yo
Come Over – Estelle
Back to Zero – Robbie Rivera
Side Effects – Mariah Carey ft. Young Jezzy
Take A Bow – Rihanna
Radar – Britney Spears
That Girl Right There – Usher
Lollipop – Lil Wayne
Heartbreakers – Will.i.am

To get the full medal count (Go U.S.A!) and videos from the Games, check out nbcolympics.com.

by GL | 2/1/2016