Gold Medalist Aly Raisman Goes to Fashion Week

A typically colorful crowd showed up Monday morning for Jeremy Scott’s runway show. Sisters Paris and Nicky Hilton arrived to great fanfare. Tinashe posed for a gaggle of photographers.

Amid the noise and the flashing lights, Aly Raisman, the 22-year-old gymnast who took home one gold and two silver medals at the Olympics this summer, sneaked into the front row. Holding her own among jostling publicists and handlers, she took a few minutes to talk about her outfit, her advice for fainting models and her thoughts on how a fashion show compares to a gymnastics competition.

Is this your first fashion show?

I went a couple of years ago. I’ve been to like five shows before.

Are you wearing Jeremy Scott?

Yes, of course. I got fitted this morning. I got in at 4 a.m. from L.A. The top is really cute. Usually my style is simpler. I’ve never worn anything like it before. I texted my mom because it reminds me of her because she loves this kind of stuff. My teammate Simone did my hair this morning.

Why did you choose to attend Jeremy Scott’s show?

He invited me to the show. I met him at the V.M.A.s on the red carpet.

Models sometimes faint during fashion shows. What advice would you give them as an Olympic athlete?

I always eat every hour and a half to two hours. As long as you’re constantly fueling your body, that’s what helps me because you obviously need energy. I’m sure it’s very overwhelming and nerve-racking for them, so the stress is also exhausting.

How do you manage the stress when you compete?

It’s hard. I just take deep breaths. I get really nervous, too, but you just keep practicing.

How does the fashion world compare to gymnastics?

It’s really crazy being here. It’s definitely way different than competing at a meet. A meet is a little more quiet and calmer.

Are you going to any parties tonight?

I have a photo shoot tonight with Reebok, so I think we’re just going to get dinner and go to sleep.