1st Look Profile: Julie Zetlin Leaps Her Way to the Olympics

By Kathryn Whitney

| Friday, Aug 10, 2012 | Updated 7:24 PM CDT

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Julie Zetlin is the only American rhythmic gymnast making the trip to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Julie Zetlin is the only American rhythmic gymnast making the trip to the London Olympic Games. Zetlin will be the first U.S. rhythmic gymnast to compete at the Olympics since 2004.

Our producers got the opportunity to get to know Julie, and she tells them that she thought she wasn’t very good in the beginning. Boy, was she wrong! Her passion, drive, and motivation are the keys to her success. She loves performing in front of an audience and enjoys the glitz and glam of rhythmic gymnastics, she tells us.

Due to multiple knee surgeries, Julie only practices once a day and focuses on quality versus quantity. However, she is still able to show off world-class leaping in her routines. Julie performs many of the hardest jumps in the rulebook. In 2011, she won the all-around championship titles at the Pan American Games and Rhythmic Challenge competitions. Her biggest achievement was capturing the 2010 U.S. National All-Around title.

We can’t wait to see what she does next at the London Olympics! Check out these fun facts about Julie that she shared with us:

Julie auditioned for a Welch’s grape juice TV commercial when she was 4 years old, and landed it!
She’s putting off college for four years.
When Julie retires after the Games, she’s moving to L.A. to go to school and pursue a career in acting.
She would love to be a stunt double or a dancer in a music video.
Zetlin told our producers that she loves skiing, fashion (especially accessories) and acting.
Her favorite event is Rope, Clubs, and Hoop (depends on the routine).
She tries to pick music for her routines that has not be used by other gymnasts.
Julie’s favorite TV shows are "American Idol," "The OC," and "Project Runway."

Catch Julie on “1st Look” this Saturday after “Saturday Night Live.” For more Olympic coverage, visit NBCOlympics.com.

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Related Topics 1st Look Profile, Olympics

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