Born September 29, 1978 in Philadelphia, gymnast Mohini Bhardwaj began gymnastics at age four in Cincinnati and ten years later qualified for the U.S. National Team, which she was on for three years. She came in 10th place at the 1996 Olympic Trials and did not make the team, but placed fifth on vault in the 1997 World Gymnastics Championships before entering UCLA that fall. Her name means "illusion" in Hindi, and when not studying for her sociology degree or competing for the UCLA Bruins she enjoys going to the beach, reading, shopping, and traveling.