Enjoy Gracie Gold: Budding starstruck superstar

Get to Know US Olympic Figure Skater Gracie Gold, Gracie Gold is America’s newest darling. She has only been skating for 10 years, but was the 2014 U.S. National Champion. The 18-year-old hails from Boston, is preparing in Russia where she hopes to take home the gold. “The Insider” co-anchor Thea Andrews sat down with Gracie who revealed what it would mean to stand on that podium saying, “There aren't words to describe that kind of feeling, watching your flag being raised after you just did the ultimate goal.” Gracie Gold: Budding starstruck superstar. On the eve of skating her Olympic short program here on Wednesday, Gracie Gold sits at the crossroads of international megastar and months-ago anonymous, small-town-kid who still appears a bit in awe of her present station in life.

Just last week Taylor Swift tweeted to her 39.1 million followers how she was searching to see when Gold was skating next, while asking "How adorable and lovely is she?"

Yet days later Gold was so in awe of sharing a practice rink with reigning Olympic champion Yuna Kim of South Korea that she posted on Instagram a selfie with Kim skating unaware in the background – like a reverse photo bomb. Later when Kim actually posed for a pic, Gold celebrated by posting it with four exclamation points.

So what is she? Cool enough to be Swift's sporting infatuation or starstruck fan who can't completely believe she's here?

Try both. And that's the beauty of Gracie Gold.

She carries herself with confidence and poise, but doesn't claim to have it all figured out. She's intelligent and well spoken, yet not jaded. She's excitable yet not so young that she lacks perspective.

It's cool having Taylor Swift know who you are, of course, but that's a fleeting fame and no more important than anyone else peppering her on social media from back home.

She has a lot going for her. Charming as well as beautiful. She could easily be the "Sonja Henie of America." Movies, commercials, Wheaties Boxes, as well as sports commentator. Just hope she doesn't get stuck with the wrong manager on whatever career path she takes.
She believes in herself and her abilities, that makes her a winner. I hope she gets a gold medal but if she doesn't, she is a winner simply because she is where she is. Star Struck? Geez where do you people get this #$%$. The young lady is giving it everything she has and realizing that she has a lot to give. She deserves the attention. Good luck Gracie. I hope you win the gold.

Gracie Gold