By Zach Zook
NORMAL – Last night the Normal CornBelters took on the Schaumburg Boomers but that wasn’t the only reason to head out to the Corn Crib.
Shannon Miller, one of the most decorated gymnasts in United States history, was present to throw out the first pitch and sign autographs for fans. Miller is a two time Olympian, competing in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. She has seven Olympic medals and nine World Championship medals. You may remember their team in 1996 being affectionately dubbed “The Magnificent Seven”.
“The memories of standing up there on that podium with a gold medal is special, but moreso seeing the American flag being raised and hearing the sound of your national anthem, especially on home soil was such a dream come true for all of us,” Miller said.
However, her accomplishments as an Olympian are just the tip of the iceberg. She is a cancer survivor, which coupled with her Olympic endeavors alone is incredible, but she has also started both a foundation and company dedicated to both women’s and children’s health.
“I’m really an advocate for both women’s and children’s health,” she said. “I started the foundation a couple years before my company and the foundation is devoted to fighting childhood obesity and the primary goal is really to get kids active… That really goes hand in hand with talking to parents about their nutrition because we’re really the ones that set the example for our children. If I’m sitting on the couch eating potato chips well that’s what my kids want to do, but if I’m out playing tag in the yard, if I’m out doing things, then that’s what my kids want to do.”
While her foundation fights for children’s health, her company Shannon Miller Lifestyle does a great deal to advocate women’s health.
“We focus on helping women make their health a priority,” Miller said. “That encompasses everything from fitness and nutrition, sleep and stress management, to cancer awareness, diabetes, and heart disease. Everything that women need to think about with their health.”
The company is based out of Jacksonville, Florida and while it’s somewhat of a local operation, her website has many features that all can use.
Zach Zook can be reached at [email protected]
