Toast of the town

Victoria Sun

Friday, Sept. 29, 2000 | 10:27 a.m.

Las Vegas gymnast Tasha Schwikert exceeded just about everyone's expectations with her gutsy performance at the Olympics.

Upon her arrival at McCarran International Airport Thursday afternoon, her many admirers -- some old, many new -- stepped forward to tell her just how much.

Schwikert found herself surrounded by a few dozen fans, friends and family members carrying flowers, Olympic flags and cameras. Caesars Palace, where Schwikert's mom, Joy, and dad, Shannon Warren, are craps dealers, sent three representatives (including a man dressed as Caesar himself) to welcome Schwikert home.

"I'm so surprised," the tiny gymnast said. "I didn't know this many people would be here.

"I didn't think really anyone was coming."

Not many people thought the 15-year-old would perform as well as she did considering the circumstances.

Schwikert finished ninth at the Olympic Trials in August and was not among the seven gymnasts chosen to represent the U.S. in Sydney. But two days after the team was announced, Schwikert was selected to be the second alternate.

When injuries beset the U.S. team, Schwikert was asked to compete. On the first day of the competition, Schwikert's coach, Cassie Rice of Gymcats in Henderson, said that U.S. team administrator Bela Karolyi had trouble formulating a lineup.

Karolyi didn't tell Schwikert in what events she would be performing until she was walking into the arena.

"It was pretty hard not knowing what I was going to compete in, but I was ready for it," Schwikert said.

Schwikert scored a 9.625 on the uneven bars and 9.237 on the balance beam on the first day, overwhelming everyone from her dad to the broadcasters commentating on the event. On day two, Schwikert improved in the bars with a 9.675 and on the beam with a 9.375 and nailed a 9.6 in the floor exercise.

Karolyi praised Schwikert, who proved to be the best gymnast on the U.S. team at Sydney.

"Tasha Schwikert was probably the most instrumental in all of it," Karolyi said. "I would have to say that she will be the leader for the United States in the next few years."

Though the team failed to win a medal, Schwikert was dazzling. She showed her ability to compete under stressful conditions without wilting. But even those who know her best, her mom and dad, were surprised by her poise.

"It was extraordinary to watch her live," Warren said. "I mean, she impressed me.

"It was beyond my expectations. Just to have her be an alternate, then when her status was upgrading to competing, it was unbelievable. We were so proud of her. It is just hard to describe."

Next week, Schwikert will leave Las Vegas to perform on the T.J. Maxx 2000 Tour of World Gymnastics champions. The tour will be making a stop at the Thomas & Mack Center on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

"I'm excited," Schwikert said of performing at home. "I hope it all goes well."