Before the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, Kerri Strug was not a household name. Although a solid performer, her more famous teammates always overshadowed her. "She has always been the bridesmaid, never the bride," legendary gymnastic champion Mary Lou Retton stated in People Weekly. Experts questioned Strug's toughness and wondered if she would ever succeed in a big competition. That all changed in one magical moment in the Georgia Dome. Strug--mustering courage that few have shown in Olympic history--vaulted the U.S. women's gymnastics team to their first ever Olympic gold medal.

Growing up

Tumbling toddler

Kerri Strug was born November 19, 1977, in Tucson, Arizona. Her father, Burt, is a heart surgeon and her mother, Melanie, is a homemaker. The youngest of three children, Strug admits her parents spoiled her.

Strug began gymnastics when she was four. Her older sister Lisa and older brother, Kevin also competed in the...