Gymnast Strug inspires kids ahead of 100-day countdown

By Larry Fine

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Kerri Strug, whose vault at the 1996 Olympics clinched gold for the U.S. women's gymnastics team, on Tuesday marked Wednesday's 100-day countdown to the Beijing Games by sharing lessons with children on perseverance.

Strug created an indelible Olympic moment by sticking her landing after badly injuring her left ankle on a previous try to give the American women their first Olympic team title.

The 4-foot-9 (1.43m) Strug, who works for the U.S. Department of Justice in juvenile justice and delinquency prevention and is a spokeswoman for Olympic sponsors, said she gets satisfaction connecting to children as she did on Tuesday in Brooklyn.

"To think that I can possibly inspire some young ones to achieve their goals, whatever they may be, it's a fabulous feeling," Strug, 30, told Reuters in a telephone interview.

"It gives you a sense of self satisfaction to know that your performance is impacting others today.

"You want to have a positive impact on the world. Whether it be that you're a school teacher and educating others, or a fireman helping to save lives, or a doctor.

"I think my contribution is speaking to youngsters about how anything is truly possible.

"I lived it. I truly believe that if you put your mind on something and work really hard, your goal can come true."