Nastia Liukin visits Indian Wells ahead of WTA Finals, reflects on Olympic gold medal career

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) -- The WTA Finals are bringing the world's best women's tennis players to Indian Wells for the first time, but the tournament also welcomed one of the greatest American gymnasts of all time.

Five-time Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin was in Indian Wells for the WTA Finals draw ceremony earlier this week, creating a crossover between two of the biggest sports in women's athletics.

Liukin's Hall of Fame gymnastics career reached its peak at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she won the all-around gold medal for Team USA.

The Olympic champion reflected on what it takes to become a world champion, emphasizing perseverance, self-belief and the ability to overcome adversity.

"Most importantly, it's not giving up, fighting through the obstacles, the injuries, the frustrations, the people that don't believe in you," Liukin said. "It's about proving to yourself that you are stronger than you think and that you can get through anything."

Liukin said one of the biggest lessons from her career was learning that nothing is impossible when you set your mind to something.

The WTA Finals begin Sunday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, bringing together the top women's players in the world for the season-ending championship.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of the WTA Finals.