It was nerve racking. I was extremely disappointed in 2004 when I was named an alternate. So when I first heard that Paul Hamm was resigning I froze in my footsteps. My whole mentality changed from feeling helpless and disappointed. I dropped everything and headed straight to the gym.

What kept you motivated after 2004?

I was pretty devastated. Those were very emotionally trying times for me. I did not like who I was, the person I was. I constantly felt like a victim. At the time I started reading books on goal setting and success. I also started Bikram Yoga. In 2006 I decided to get back to gymnastics. Even in 2007 I was not doing so well. Even 10 months before the Olympics I did not clear the nationals -- that super motivated me. I also knew what it meant to be at the Olympics as an Indian. Me being an Indian American, making it to be Olympic team would not only be a statement to myself but also Indians here in America. I took the road less traveled by and I made it. I knew the power of the message. I just did not want to give up on my dream.

Also read: 2008 Beijing Olympics - Images from Day 4