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Blogs / In the Hive / October 2009 / Freestyle aerialist Emily Cook wakes up early with Matt as the Games open

Freestyle aerialist Emily Cook wakes up early with Matt as the Games open

As several locals await tonight's Vancouver Games opening ceremonies, freestyle aerialist  Emily Cook gets ready for her second Olympics chatting it up with Matt Lauer.

A Massachusetts native, Cook, 30 — a three-time US National champion who now calls Park City home.

The ex-gymnast chose Park City as homebase for its proximity to USSA training center — but spends a good bit of time in the off-season perfecting her jumps at Utah Olympic Park where athletes jump off ramps into a pool.

During the summer you can find Cook at the training facility, practicing yoga or traveling for her work with her charity Right to Play.

Cook injured both feet just two weeks prior to the 2002 games during a practice run (which gets a mention in her Today interview) — rendering herself unable to compete.

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She came back to win the 2006 Olympic Trial and was on the 2006 U.S. Women's Freestyle Aerials squad in Torino.

Third time's a charm as she hopes to medal in Vancouver.

Here's some behind-the-scenes looks at Cook from SLmag photographer Adam Finkle:

Stylist (and SLmag designer) Dessi Price pops Cook's collar @ Westminster College

Finkle waits for Cook to ascend.

Finkle and Price coax Cook up the steps.

Smile guys — almost lunchtime.

At least one of 'em is still camera-ready.

Study time?!

Emily Cook ...in the lounge ...with a laptop