Tanya Maiers (USA)

Image used with the expressed permission of Shanfan

Tanya Maiers was born on October 3, 1981. She burst onto the scene in 1993, winning the junior division of the American Classic, surpassing future World and Olympic team members Jaycie Phelps, Kristin Maloney, Dominique Moceanu, Jennie Thompson, and Doni Thompson.

Tanya was the talk of the town following the 1993 U.S. Olympic Festival, where the diminutive Maiers displayed mastery on beam far beyond her years - and with a permanent smile plastered on her face throughout the routine. In their 1993 U.S. Nationals broadcast NBC pegged her the "Atlanta native determined to come home for the [1996 Olympic] Games." Fate had other plans however; Tanya struggled over the next couple of years.

Training at the "hot" club of the times had its benefits, e.g., Tanya joined Steve Nunno and Shannon Miller in Orlando for the 1994 American cup, but after some disappointing results a change in gyms was discussed. The young 13-year-old moved to Tom and Lori Forster's Colorado Aerials.

Tanya competed as a senior at U.S. Nationals that year, as so many junior gymnasts did in this era. In hindsight, moving Tanya up to the senior ranks was probably not the best idea. She was in last place following compulsories, a far cry from her second place finish at the previous year's Nationals. In jeopardy of not making the U.S. National team, Tanya did not compete in the optional round.

Soon after Tanya suffered a badly broken elbow, from which she never really came back. In 1995 she gave up gymnastics, moved back to Atlanta, and discovered and interest and talent in diving. Her high school, The Westminster School, won the Georgia State Championships in 1999. In 2000 Tanya won the AAA/AA/AA (3A, 2A, 1A) State Championships in the 1 meter.

Tanya accepted a scholarship to compete for Yale University, and was a freshman this past 2000/2001 season.

. This page was created on April 29, 2001.

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