The Elite Sports Complex experienced a return to its Olympic roots last week.
Diane Hansen, general manager of the Downers Grove facility, hosted USA Gymnastics’ rhythmic gymnastics selection committee for this summer’s Pan American Games in Brazil.

Members of the Elite Sports Complex, which served as the training facility for the 1996 U.S. Olympic Rhythmic Group team, watched six of the country’s best rhythm gymnasts perform. Hansen hopes the experience was a stepping stone toward hosting more Olympic events in the future.

Q: What is rhythmic?gymnastics?

A: It’s dance and gymnastics and working with equipment ... working with hoops, ribbons, balls and ropes. It’s finesse and beauty and somewhat acrobatic.

Q: Why did USAG choose Elite Sports Complex for the final selection process?

A: We have one of the best facilities in the country for rhythmic gymnastics because of our high ceiling and lack of obstructions.

Q: What does Elite provide its students?

A: Gymnastics has been my life. So I know how important it is for self-esteem issues. One thing that makes us different is we want the girls to be active for the rest of the lives. If they stay in gymnastics, great. But the goal primarily is getting them to be physically active for the rest of their lives. Elite is different. It’s very family oriented. Our clientele goes back a long way and they seem to stay with us. Some students have come back and are teaching for us now.

Q: What was the experience like for your gymnasts who watched the selection process last week?

A: They were just in awe to be able to see the best rhythmic gymnasts in the country. It was incredible to be able to be on the floor with them. They (the Elite gymnasts) prepared for this too, making posters. Two girls stood outside the building and gave them welcome cards. It was a big thing for them.
 
Q: As the general manager, do you still find time to coach?

A: I still enjoy teaching some classes. I coach pre-team classes. I enjoy being down in the gym. It’s a treat for me.

Q: What’s the likelihood that Elite will host next year’s Junior Olympics for rhythmic gymnastics?

A: It looks pretty good, but I can’t say specifically for sure.

Q: Should Chicago get the Olympics in 2016, would Elite be a frontrunner for hosting the rhythmic gymnastics competitions?

A: We could possibly be a training center. When it comes to hosting a competition that big, it’ll have to be a much bigger facility. But we’re hoping to be a training center again.