Men's Gymnastics Alumni Update: Kris Zimmerman ('03)
3/8/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
Kris Zimmerman decided to become a Michigan Wolverine just days before school began in the fall of 1999. The last-minute decision proved to be a good one, as Kris represented the Maize and Blue well during his four years. He reached several great heights, including winning an NCAA championship and becoming a U.S. National Team member. We caught up with Kris to see what he has been doing since graduation.
Date of Birth: 12/18/80
Hometown/High School: Winnetka, Ill./New Trier HS
Education: B.A. in 2003, double major in Russian & East European Studies and Economics
Currently: Living in Chicago
Michigan Milestones:
2000 NCAA parallel bars champion
2000 Big Ten parallel bar champion
Member of Michigan's 2000 Big Ten championship team
2001 Windy City all-around champion (only Michigan gymnast to win this title)
2001-2002 U.S National Team member
2001 Pan American Games Team member; third place on parallel bars
Three-time NCAA All-American
Quick Q & A:
Q: You graduated from Michigan in December of 2003. What are your plans now "I will be spending two months in the early spring interning with Citigroup in London and Moscow. After that, I plan on working as a beer vendor for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field through the 2004 World Series. I have no plans after that but hope to have the opportunity to travel extensively."
Q: What has been the biggest change for you now that you're not training every day and competing "Aside from the ever increasing size of my gut, I would have to say that what is most different is having so much extra time. For as long as I can remember I spent the better part of my free time in the gym, and now that I no longer have that commitment life is much more laid back. I have now have the freedom to pursue other interests."
Q: If you could chose any sport to be a pro athlete in, which sport would it be and why "It would be difficult to choose between gymnastics and baseball. While gymnastics has always been my passion, baseball has its advantages; the career of a player is longer, the work is less strenuous, and the pay is considerably better. I also wouldn't mind working for the Chicago Cubs in a more productive capacity than as 'beer man.'"
Q: What is the most memorable Michigan moment from your gymnastics career "If I had to choose a favorite moment, it would probably be Big Ten Championships my freshman year (2000). While we came close to winning both Big Ten and NCAA championships several times throughout my career, that was the only time we succeeded. Everybody on the team competed outstandingly, and I have few other memories of having so much fun during such an important competition. I also won the parallel bars title that year, which felt like a great accomplishment, especially as a freshman."
Q: What do you want to be doing in 5-10 years from now "I'm having trouble deciding what I hope to be doing this time next year, let alone in 10 years. I intend to pursue my education further; however, I am thus far hesitant to choose any particular field. At the moment I am leaning towards working internationally, whether in economics, government, or public policy."
Head Coach Kurt Golder on Zimmerman:
"Kris Zimmerman was a very integral part of our program's success. He came to Michigan in the fall of 1999 and as a freshmen helped us win the 2000 Big Ten title. Later Kris made the U.S. National Team and went on to win a bronze medal at the Pan American Championships. He was a very big part of our NCAA and National Team success."
Contact: Justin Toman, Matt Godfrey (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
