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November 21, 2005

Getting to know...Tatjana Thuener-Rego!

With a Junior Olympic National Championship on floor (2004) and top five finishes in the all-around (2nd in 2004), bars (4th in 2005, 3rd in 2004), and beam (3rd in 2004) over the past two years, Tatjana Thuener-Rego could have an immediate impact on three to four events for the Wolverines. However, we anticipate that her floor routine will become a quick crowd favorite. Thuener-Rego hails from Miami, Florida, where she was homeschooled and a Level 10 standout with Universal Gymnastics.

Tatjana took time out of her schedule to discuss her new floor routine, her personal goals for the upcoming season, and transitioning from homeschooling to college life.

On what attracted her to the University of Michigan...
"The campus, the amazing gym and school, and of course, the team."

On some of the challenges that she has encountered thus far on adjusting to college gymnastics?
"It was hard for me to adjust to having new coaches and to go to school (I've been home schooled for the past 6 years) but the team is always there when I need them."

On her favorite event...
"Floor, because I can go hard for my tumbling passes and then show off in the dance parts."

On what her new floor exercise routine will be like...
"The beginning of my music is a Latin song, Shakira's Ojos Asi. And the second half is a Brazilian song called Magalenha, which my Brazilian dad is very happy about."

On what she is looking forward to the most about the upcoming season...
"The first time I get to compete on floor, the first time I help the team win a meet, and our first NCAA National Championship ring!"

On whether she has a particular nickname...
"Tachi"

On her personal goal for the upcoming season...
"To help the team win its first NCAA National Championship and to become an NCAA National Floor champion."

On the type of profession that she is interested in pursuing after graduation....
"I would like to own my own business of some sort. I've always enjoyed taking charge of situations and selling things, so I figured that I might be good at that!"

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