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SOCHI, Russia — The fearless acrobat who starred in Sochi's opening ceremony is an overnight star in Russia.
Thursday, no one knew who 11-year-old Liza Temnikova was, but now it seems like everyone in Russia does.
The moment was breathtaking and memorable when Liza first launched into the air during the opening ceremony.
You would have to be fearless to be suspended above the stadium floor by cables while performing during the Olympic opening ceremony in front of a worldwide audience.
But Liza seemed to be just fine.
"I've been doing gymnastics since I was six," Liza said through an interpreter.
She also said that she was "not scared once" as she flew through the air on cables. In fact, maybe the scariest part for her was handling the interest of the worldwide media.
Liza's mother, Marina Temnikova, said they chose her daughter at a casting call. Liza got a call back this summer where they asked for her picture then invited her to shoot some clips similar to what was seen during the opening ceremony.
Temnikova said it's hard to believe her daughter is the face of Russia for the opening ceremony.
"First of all, I'm very proud of her," Temnikova said. "Second, it's still very hard to believe. I don't believe it all the way."
She also says her daughter is very shy and calm but has always loved athletics.
And maybe one day Liza will be in the Olympics again, only this time as a gymnast for Russia.
"I will be going," Liza said.
