CHAMPAIGN — Justin Spring had never felt like he did at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
The Illinois men’s gymnastics head coach and former Illini standout had competed at plenty of high-stakes events before heading to Beijing eight years ago, but nothing quite compared to representing the U.S. in front of the eyes of millions.
It’s a pressure that Spring, a seven-time All-American and two-time Dike Eddleman Athlete of the Year honoree, won’t forget.
“Nothing can prepare you for the intensity and the anxiety, honestly, that will come over you the day of team finals in competition,” Spring said.