My favorites included a Barbie-themed segment and a series of romantic dance duets set to Taylor Swifts Love Story.
(Pommel Horse Guy, a.k.a.
Stephen Nedoroscik, alas, isnt among them, presumably due to hisDancing with the Stars commitments.)
The ensemble also includes non-American Olympians, college stars, and other top gymnasts.
And at the end of the day, we all can relate to each other in some sense.
SELF: To start with, can you walk me through your pre-show routine?
Peng-Peng Lee:Ooh, man.
Joscelyn Roberson:We have call time around 4 p.m., 4:15 p.m. every single day.
Until then, I usually do schoolwork or hang out, whatever.
Last night, me and Jade [Carey], we stayed on the bus and studied.
So its really fun to have that little bond and pact to see to it were both staying accountable.
After that, I go do my makeup and my hair and then get in costume.
Then, its showtime.
Melanie de Jesus dos Santos:Im quite a morning person.
I also confirm to grab a coffee, of course.
So I make a run at do vocal warm-ups.
Sometimes I eat before the show.
But then we all come together at call time.
Since theres so many of us, we do things together.
No ones ever alone, which is nice.
Oh, what are you going to do with your hair?
Its kind of like a big-sister bonding moment.
Sometimes were just putting stuff on our faces, and were like, Oh, that looks good.
And Jordan [Chiles] had rhinestones on her eyes the other day.
Katelyn Ohashi:Yeah, like Peng does Jades makeup every day and I braid Jades hair every day.
Sometimes well go for a walk depending on the city if we want to explore a little bit.
Maybe shop for stuff to put in the bags that we dont have space in.
SELF: Any favorite cities youve been to so far?
Or specific tourist stuff?
Roberson:Philly was definitely my favorite.
And the show also had the best vibe, I think.
The audience members were singing all the songs, cheering for everyone.
No one had sung the songs before.
Ohashi:We turned pop stars suddenly.
SELF: The GOAT schedule is pretty busymultiple consecutive days of performances.
What is it like dealing with constant travel?
Ohashi:Well, we sleep on the bus most nights [in built-in bunks].
Unless we have an off day, when we get to have a bed [in a hotel].
But its actually really fun because you go to bed and wake up with your girlfriends.
Sometimes well stay up late chatting or just
Roberson: Flipping!
Lee:Flipping, having a little dance party on the bus.
Our group likes to dance.Lovesto dance.
We can bring that energy anywhere.
Sometimes itll be in the middle of the street.
Lee:Jordan [Chiles] had a boom box then.
SELF: Sounds like a big slumber party!
Is it physically tough to be on the go all the time?
De Jesus dos Santos:Its true that from the outside, it might look exhausting.
And yes, it is tiring, but Im happy to be here!
Roberson:We have a PT on the bus that travels with us.
Physically, I recover pretty quickly, so I dont have a strict routine.
Roberson:It depends on the day, honestly.
I also like to do NormaTec.
But sometimes after the show youresotired…
Ohashi:It kind of gives you a high, though.
Roberson:Yeah, it definitely is hard to go to sleep after.
Lee:I like to say that were living on 5% brain cells.
We dont really know what day it is anymore.
Nighttime seems like daytime, and its just totally different than what youre used to as an athlete.
I never stayed up past 11:30 p.m., midnight.
And now Ive already pulled three all-nighters.
Others will head to the buses or study.
Sometimes we disperse, but then we all somehow come together in the end.
Roberson:I just love getting cozy in my little Target robe.
I definitely look forward to getting in the shower at the end of the day.
And taking off my makeup is really nicethat really settles me down.
We will just stay in someones roommost of the time its Katesand ask each other deep, deep questions.
SELF: Can I ask about some of the topics youve covered?
Roberson:Kate, whats a good one?
Ohashi:I thought one that was really cute was, What are each othersgreen flags?
Basically, what everyones great qualities are, that weve noticed and observed being on this tour.
Roberson:I said Kates very comfortable and authentic to herself.
Shes very secure in who she is and shes not afraid to let other people know.
She knows exactly what to say.
Shes really articulate and straight to the point.
Lee:We call her Joss the Boss.
Ohashi:[laughing] Boss Baby!
Lee:But its so well earned.
Shes like a little captain, and its so fun because she brings that college energy to the sport.
Roberson: Its so different.
When youre at competitions and meets, youre doing that for yourself.
Yes, there are people coming to watch you, but itsyourgoal,yourdream.
But here, youre doing it for the fans.
You want to see to it everyone coming to watch is enjoying their time.
This is our moment to have fun.
Weve already done everything we worked so hard for, so this is our reward for that.
SELF: And do you feel like there’s more camaraderie, too?
Roberson:Oh, a hundred percent.
I mean, were not competing against each other, were working together.
I get very attached to people, and I already know who Im going to miss.
Lee:Katelyn and I havent competed in a while, but it is like what Joss says.
Roberson:Really just interacting with the fans during the show.
Plus, all the dancing.
So its really cool that I came back to it at an older age thankstogymnastics.
I mean, [since were both retired], we literally havent done the sport in years.
It really feels like no ones left out.
These interviews have been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.
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