The Orlando Sentinel
Februrary 6, 1993
p. C2
So Friday, Bruce, 19, said she was ready to step down from the sport that captivated her for 14 years, the last six at Brown's Gymnastics in Altamonte Springs.
''After the Olympics, I felt I had reached my goals,'' Bruce said. ''I didn't feel motivated. The Browns (coaches Kevin and Rita) asked me to compete in a couple more meets, and I did it for them. Deep down, I thought by being in the gym I'd be motivated again. The American Cup is coming up, and it's a very prestigious meet. I knew I would have to do very well in it, and there was no guarantee I would or could. I wanted to go out on a high note.''
The highlight for Bruce was her key role in helping the United States win an Olympic bronze medal last year in Barcelona, Spain. Earning the medal also achieved her own personal goal and dream.
Replacing Bruce on the U.S. team for the McDonald's American Cup on March 5-6 at Orlando Arena will be Lanna Apisukh, 13, of Lake Mary, who becomes the youngest competitor. ''I think it's special, an honor for me to compete in a big competition like this,'' Apisukh said.
Also competing in the Cup will be Olympian Kerri Strug, who trained at Brown's before moving to Oklahoma City last month.
Bruce plans to attend Valencia Community College part time this coming semester, then become a full-time student in the fall. She also will continue making appearances and work in gymnastics summer camps. She also is exploring coaching oportunities.
''I'm really thinking about getting into coaching and working with kids,'' Bruce said.
In the past two months, Bruce received the key to the city of North Lauderdale, her hometown, and participated in both the Orange Bowl and Junior Orange Bowl parades. Bruce also was named Fort Lauderdale's athlete of the year.