THREE-time Australian Olympian Lisa Skinner continues to explore her artis- tic options. Skinner placed 36th at the
1996 Atlanta Olympics and eighth at Sydney
2000, after which she retired. She resumed
training in 2002 and competed at Athens
’04, where she also designed her team’s
leotard for the team final. Now the 29-year-
old Skinner, a Cirque du Soleil performer for
nearly four years, sees no limits to her artistic boundaries.
Throughout your competitive career, you demonstrated unique
artistry. How have grown creatively since? The art of performing is
very different from the art of competing. I think the former has always
been more my strength, probably because of
a particular attraction to dance and unique
movement in general. Genuine enjoyment
while out on the floor also never fails to
draw people in. With almost four years on a
EILEEN LANGSLEY/IG (1996); PORTRAITS SUPPLIED
Cirque stage, I’ve grown and developed even
further in this area. I love to challenge
myself every night, I love to entertain, and
I’m proud of my work. Coupled with the
high standards I always set for myself, I
think I’m in the right job. And no matter
what profession I’m in I hope to forever be
improving my work.
Your comeback for Athens inspired many gymnasts who might have
felt their best years were behind them. What was the biggest obsta-
cle for you, and how would you recommend others overcome it? I
thought about it for quite a while before eventually making up my
mind. My advice would be, if you realistically think both yourbrain and
body are still up to doing the
work and the hours required, and
I do mean realistically, then go
for it. Take it very slowly, though,
if coming back from any extend-
ed break. I take my hat off to all
of the girls I see that are still at a
competitive level past what is
considered the typical age of
retirement. It’s definitely a com-
mitment because gymnastics
isn’t exactly in the ‘easiest sports’
category.
Many people have to “settle”
for professional work that does
not reflect their personalities
and talents. What is your perspective on earning your living
as a creative type? I think it’s a
shame for anyone stuck in a job
[for] which they have no particular passion. I feel very privileged
not to be somebody in that situation. I have no idea what the
future will bring, but for now, my
profession encourages creativity,
uniqueness and fun, so I’m going
to stay put for a while. Who
could ask for more?!
—John Crumlish
