Bright-eyed and cool-headed, the Oshawa, Ontario, native delivers a competitive program as technically sound as it is artistically satisfying. Deegan's meticulous execution complements her subtle rhythm, pleasing fans and Code of Points-conscious judging panels.

Deegan, coached by 1980 Olympic all-around champion Yelena Davydova and July (pronounced "yulee") Gershovich, shared her views on Canada's revitalized global prospects, during September's world championships in Lausanne, Switzerland.

IG: How much responsibility did you feel heading into Worlds as the Canadian champion?

SD: Not too much. We all wanted to do well and place in the top 12 as a team, because we didn't do really well at the ('95) Worlds. (Canada placed 15th in '95 and eighth in '97.) It was a little difficult for me because I hadn't really competed for Canada in team competition before, so I was a little nervous.

IG: Can you describe the difference in your attitude, competing for the team versus for yourself?

SD: In team, if you do something wrong, you let everyone else down, too. But, it's OK if you make a mistake because only four scores countthen you have to hope nobody else makes a mistake!

IG: To what do you attribute Canada's improvement to eighth place in the world, after failing to qualify for the Olympics?

SD: We got a new head coach, (former Soviet team coach) Andrei Rodionenko. We had lots of training camps prior to Worlds. We had many practice competitions, to get used to helping moving mats and knowing whom you're after in the lineup. We were a lot more organized and so we weren't freaking out!

IG: How are training camps more beneficial than individual time at your own gym?

SD: At training camps, we learn more about each other and the coaches get to know the girls better, so when we do have to compete together as a team we can help each other more.

IG: You seem to really get into your floor routine, but are strong on the other events, too. Are you better at floor because you spend more time on dance, or because you don't have to work hard at it since you are already a good dancer?

SD: I just feel floor more - the dance and everything. I haven't had any special dance training, but Yelena (Davydova) does my choreography. (Note: Deegan performs to Eddy Louiss's "Blues for Klook," the compelling piece used by Bulgaria's Silvia Mitova in the early '90s.)

IG: Have you seen many of Yelena's performances on video? How have they been inspirational to you?

SD: (laughing) No! She still doesn't like us seeing her videos because she says she could have done much more.

IG: How do your two coaches share responsibilities for training you, and how are they different?

SD: July (Gershovich) does bars and Yelena does beam, and they share the other two events. Yelena has been through it already, and knows when you have problems and knows how it feels when you can't do something. They're both really supportive.

IG: How does the new Code of Points help and hinder you?

SD: It's harder to get enough bonus for a 10.0 Start Value on bars, for me anyway. For the other events, it's OK. When the new Code came out, we thought it was so hard, but you get used to it.

IG: Do you dislike any events?

SD: I like beam, but I have a problem sticking it. In training everything is fine, but in competition I get too nervous. I have to practice being more aggressive.

IG: Is gymnastics more fun or more work for you?

SD: It's not really 'fun,' but at the end of the competition the work is worth it. I go to the gym to work hard and get to be the best I can.

IG: And what is that?

SD: (nodding toward the Lausanne arena podium) This. I love it! I just go one step at a time. The 2000 Olympics are a possibility, but a long time away and anything can happen.

IG: What has competing well at Worlds taught you?

SD: It's a normal competition, but really great being here with all the different countries. I think the experience will give me enthusiasm that will last for a long time!

IG: Do you sense more excitement for gymnastics in Canada, now that your team is doing so well?

SD: I think we have quite a few good young girls coming up, so hopefully it's going to continue to be better and better.

IG: What will you tell some of the younger girls when you compete with them at the next Worlds?

SD: Some people who've been to Worlds are still nervous like anyone else. For others, the more they compete, the less nervous they get. But I still have the same amount of nervousness. If you have adrenaline, it makes you punch higher, but that's not good for beam. It's better to be on the beam than to go flying off!