When she was competing as an acrobatic gymnast, she used to do a trick – a double back dismount. The first time she ever attempted it without a spotter or safety equipment was at the World Cup, the day after her 14th birthday.

She heard the booming announcement, “From the United States of America, Christine Van Loo …,” and stepped onto the mat. There was no turning back. Her mind was racing, filled with flashes of self-doubt.

“All of these amazing things are happening around me. And I’m just thinking, I have to do this dismount by myself,” she said. “You jump and you’re thrown 20 feet above someone’s shoulders before landing on the ground and flipping twice in the air.”

Van Loo and her partner began the routine, building up to the single most terrifying moment. She knew what was coming and what she had to do. But could she land it?

Her partner pitched her in the air. The next thing she knew, she was on the ground, looking into his eyes.

She had done it. She took the bronze and became the first American acrobatic gymnast to medal at the World Cup.