OnlyCarl Lewis, who won four golds, has more Olympic long jump medals. McClain was born in Nevada. When the Olympics were postponed, McClain became eligible to make the U.S. team, but a difficult start to her 2021 campaign prompted her to withdraw from the Olympic process, switch gyms from Revolution to WOGA and commit to a more relaxed training schedule that she hopes will lead her to Paris 2024. In this instance, the balance check on the landing cost her another 0.3 or 0.5 (depending on whether it was deemed medium or large). Everyones experiences are different, and its important to remember that. It was more, Wow. Entering the Olympic year, she tried to enjoy it without putting too much pressure on herself, but nothing seemed to fall into place. Like what you see? Its not uncommon for elite gymnasts to have a Triple A personality and take any setback as a catastrophe, Liukin said. A decision was made to pull the plug on 2021, which meant withdrawing from the national championships and Olympic trials. Since she was moving so early, Lorinda enrolled her in a mommy and me class at 16 months. Through Turmoil, Heartbreak And Injuries, Konnor McClain Is Back On The Im not sure Ive seen MyKayla in the gym with just her coaches and no family members once this entire series. TOP 9 why did konnor mcclain switch gyms BEST and NEWEST What Susan and Konnor decided to do about the news was also unexpected. Konnor McClain competes during the women's floor exercise at the 2022 U.S. Id won a gold, silver and a bronze in that order. Now shes eyeing a place in the US team alongside superstar Simone Biles. Just doing routines over and over again, and knowing I can do the routines and coming to the competition knowing I can make it too. A star on the junior level, McClain won the U.S. all-around silver medal in 2019, then went on to the inaugural junior world championships as the alternate for the American team. Id won a gold, silver and a bronze in that order. Empower Team USA athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence and well-being. She feels like Tom and the Olympic Committee always see her injured, so she may not seem reliable. From Konnors perspective, though it may look effortless, thats not quite how it feels. Her unconventional path started when an infamous video of Konnor became well-known in the gymnastics community completely by accident. Her dad passed away the day before they left for Italy. I think she's missed one practice in 16 years besides an injury or something. After a half-hour process to locate and lay out tape, it was Boston who broke the news to Beamon that he had jumped 8.90 meters,improving the world record by nearly two feet. Konnor is really technically a beautiful gymnast on all the events. She just really has that attention to detail, and she's had it since she was a kid from the toes all the way to the fingertips.. The gymnastics that came so easily for so long to the precocious teenager had turned shaky. Switching gyms with less than a month to go before Olympic Trials is not something you see often (ever?). It was her first international with USA gymnastics and I'm just there having a good timemy cousin called or texted me and was like, I'm watching the meet and they said that McClain is going to stay on top. And I'm like, On top of what? I had no idea that she even had a chance to win and she was shocked too. Also in qualifying, Beamon fouled his first two of three jumps, giving him one last chance to make the final. Laurie helps like she needs to redeem herself from her Classic performance before championships. Sensing Beamons nerves, Boston told his younger teammate to move it back three feet with a cautious jump to avoid fouling, Beamon later said. Takahashi, 37, and Muramoto, 30, won a national title and placed 11th and 16th at the last two world championships after teaming up during the pandemic in 2020. I feel like in 2024, when the season comes, I feel like it'll be a lot better that year just because I've been preparing for this for my whole life, McClain said. I wasnt expecting this year to happen, so going into this year, it was hard on my mind, she said. The news left McClain overwhelmed. The first day I was definitely nervous since it was like seven years since I've gone, but it's definitely been great my past two weeks, she shared. She doesn't really want to watch gymnastics tonight. Her sister was also on my team, and theyd both put on their leotards and come out and, and Konnor would just slide down in the most perfect split with pointed toes at two years old and do a backbend kickover., It was a good thing Konnor found a coach she loved and didnt mind showing off in front of, since she was a shy kid. Konnor McClain, who recently moved to Texas to train at WOGA under Valeri Liukin, competes at the 2019 U.S. Championships. She was like, Yes, you can. She was like, I felt the same way, too, at one point, McClain told Olympics.com of her conversations with the Olympic champion. That made McClain the highest-ranked, first-year U.S. senior woman in 2021. Today were talking about the recently dropped episode five. Now that I've gotten older, it's definitely different. Ah! At 15, @konnormcclain_ wasnt old enough to compete at #Tokyo2020 until the Games were postponed. It was easy to end my career, in 1968, Boston said. 2022 Results Date Competition VT UB BB FX AA Aug 18-21 U.S. Championships AA 14.350 14.050 14.100 13.850 56.350 QF 14.400 13.300 14.800 13.900 56.400 Apr 9-10 City of Jesolo I loved them almost more than anyone in the world.. Maybe, just maybe, the best for her was not letting her compete while she was throwing up in a bag. That includesKyla Ross, the 2011 U.S. junior all-around silver medalist who made the 2012 Olympic team. Data Deep Dive: What Makes an MVP in Gymnastics, Looking Back at the Highs and Lows of the 2023 Season, Way Too Early Power Rankings For the 2024 Season, Golden Recap Episode 6 College Gym News, LIVE BLOG: NCAA National Championship Final, LIVE BLOG: NCAA National Championships Semifinal II, LIVE BLOG: NCAA National Championships Semifinal I, LIVE BLOG: Los Angeles Regional Round Final. Its so unreal, and I honestly cant believe it. I'd say this year, just with the age change, was definitely a hard year for me because just running it through my head, thinking about it and seeing it everywhere all over social media was definitely hard, but I've learned just to not think about it and to keep my mind away from it more, instead of just always putting that on myself and putting the pressure on myself, she shared. WAG - Konnor McClain to WOGA | ChalkBucket According to the USAG website and Chalkwarriors Twitter, Konnor is now trained by Valeri Liukin at WOGA. They have Vanessa Atler talks about how Valeri would weigh her three times during training. The pressure mounting, and her love for the sport waning, McClain came home from practice one day shortly after that and made a split-second decision. She says Morgan inspired her to speak up. Outwardly, McClain was progressing nicely as a gymnast in early 2022, winning the all-around at the Winter Cup in Frisco, Texas, and the City of Jesolo Trophy, an international team event held in Italy. Many events and activities were canceled, including the 2020 Olympic Games. I've actually recently started going back to school, which has been good, and finding new friends, Konnor shared. I was ready to quit gymnastics, McClain said. Going back to school at the peak of her gymnastics career is another choice Konnor and her family made that was right for her at the time, even though it wasnt the status quo. That was really good to see.. Why is it a big deal? Susan says she did talk about politics, but only sometimes. It wasn't an aha moment or anything like that. And then she said based on how this will go, maybe she can do two classes next year. One of the national team coaches told Lorinda that Konnor didnt say a word to them until she was 12 years old, but she was always happy to talk to Susan. Takahashi switched to ice dance after his singles farewell at the December 2019 Japanese Championships. College Gym News is your place for everything you need to know about collegiate gymnastics. Join us as we recap each episode. Five-Star Konnor McClain Commits to LSU for 2024 Season CROSS LANES, W.Va. (WCHS) Because of the pandemic, 2020 was a very difficult year for so many people. This is your anonymous test thread reply now and try it out! So as an example informed Australian, this seems like a big deal. Nevertheless, she gets a 13.750. Required fields are marked *. She then performed a balance beam routine in front of a studio audience. As per usual, Suni is feeling a little bit stressed, and is still struggling with injuries. Susan agreed, sharing, Her attention to detail, technique, just her fundamentals and basics are outstandingI'm just looking at her every day, and then I see other gymnasts. If not for Boston, fellow American long jumperBob Beamonmight not have pulled off the most astonishing feat of those Olympics. The thought of switching gyms had been looming in McClain's mind for the past year and half, but it wasn't an easy move to make. I just know that., Shilese Jones Star Turn Puts Her In Pole Position Going Into Day 2 At Gymnastics Nationals, When School Let Out, These Three Star Gymnasts Resumed Their Quest To Be The Best, Juniors Dulcy Caylor, Tiana Sumanasekera Represent A Talented Next Generation Of U.S. Gymnasts. As an 11-year-old she performed a balance beam routine on a national TV talent show, telling host Steve Harvey that she wanted to win the Olympic all-around title in 2024. In August 1960, Boston broke Owens world record in the long jump that stood since 1935. I was having a rough year inside the gym. Ive said it once, and Ill say it again. Boston won silver and bronze at the next two Olympics and remains the lone person to win an Olympic long jump medal of every color. Having grown since then, one thing that Lorinda and Susan can attest to is that her perfectionism and attention to detail has stayed consistent. She's just really driven to go to the Olympicsat a very, very young age she's always wanted thisa great combination of work ethic, strength, flexibility, drive. At the 1968 Games, Boston broke his own Olympic record in qualifying by jumping 8.27 meters. Wearing a bedazzled red leotard with her bun held in place by a matching red scrunchie, McClain was up by a half-point going into the final rotation but lost her balance while trying to complete a wolf turn spin on floor exercise. Takahashis greatest success came in 2010, when he became the first Japanese man to win an Olympic figure skating medal (bronze) and a world title. Konnor also has cousins playing DI college baseball, college football, soccer, and basketball. Konnor and her mom have been living in and out of hotels since she got to Texas. Its a lot different, I wont have to switch up [my plan] in a year or less.. McClain, who recently changed gyms to move from West Virginia to WOGA in Texas, is focusing on the next Olympic cycle, possibly beginning with the world championships in October in Japan, her mom said Wednesday, confirming an Inside Gymnastics report. Its the GK U.S. Classic in Indianapolis. A couple of weeks after I switched [gyms] I really started doing it for me and not doing it for other people, because I just enjoyed it again, she said. She lost her father and grandmother in the span of a week around New Year's. The infection limited her to only two events at Winter Cup, which was supposed to be her senior debut. After a half-hour process to locate and lay out tape, it was Boston who broke the news to Beamon that he had jumped 8.90 meters,improving the world record by nearly two feet. Susan feels like Konnors family could have handled the situation better because what they did was so sudden. However, Jones was in position to regain it if she once again hit her uneven bars routine, which had scored the highest of any routine on Friday night. When it comes to this season, Konnor says, Olympic Trials is definitely my goal right now. In short, the episodes are far from The Ranch documentary from 2016. Ralph Boston, Olympic long jump champion, dies at 83 Well, I'm not going to say no to that, Susan shared, laughing. On Sunday night, in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Tampa, Florida, the rebirth came to fruition. U.S. all-around champion Konnor McClain posted that she will miss the world gymnastics championships that start in three weeks due to a back injury, writing that her season is "officially over . why did konnor mcclain switch gyms - cottonzone.in I recognized Konnor's talent early on, and she's always been a super serious kid. The process seemed to be working. The hope is to have her ready for the World Championships in the fall. The gymnastics that came so easily for so long to the precocious teenager had turned shaky . Consider donating to support our efforts throughout the year! The teacher was always like, Oh my gosh, she's so strong, and so we kept her in it, Lorinda shared. He changed the game as an athlete, advocate and mentor. Sacrificing family time. Her whole family is there cheering her on, including her dad. In March 2020, Reed died of a sudden cardiac issue at age 30. I was like, I don't want to be in the house any longer. Konnor McClain rallied past Shilese Jones to win her first U.S. gymnastics national title. Laurie had fallen on her landing during warmups and hurt her knee. She just switched gyms too so that may be a factor as well. Konnor McClain Wins 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships As Black - MSN Beamon heeded the advice and advanced. Favorite us! I just tried to make it to this competition because coming here was a really hard road for me. Lorinda never imagined anyone else would be interested in watching her daughter do gymnastics, especially for ten minutes straight. The Liukins are well-known in the sport. Although this is very upsetting after such a successful year, she posted. Boston leaped 8.21 meters, eight centimeters better than Owens. At the end of it, I was like, How are people going to see me? If she bends her knees, I'm like, Oh my God, that's not Konnor. Her fundamentals are just so soundI think that's probably the most awesome thing about Konnor is her execution, Lorinda stated. Konnor McClain BB EF DTB Pokal Team Challenge 2022 14.033 (E - Reddit Following U.S. Championships last year, a number of athletes made the switch to new gyms. Konnor McClain during an interview with NBC Sports following competition at the 2022 U.S. Well, huh. We're trying to be on pace for 2024. So, a firefighter, I don't know, it just inspires me, she shared. Who is on Olympic gymnastics team 2021? - BIO-Answers.com [Top athletes] are pulling their coaches to the next level too, in a lot of ways. Konnor had chosen to go to Valeri because of how helpful he was when she was in the development program. And I havent felt the joy for the sport in a long time. "You know, to fall twice and still end up in second place, this just really only the beginning for me.''. I just can't really explain it. OnlyCarl Lewis, who won four golds, has more Olympic long jump medals. The pair tell us how their friendship helped McClain get back on the mat. She was like, Here you go. The choice of taking a step back and prioritizing her physical and mental health was important for McClain. We hear about Valeri and how legendary he is in the gymnastics world. At her first camp, Konnor was 12 years old, and placed in a rotation group with Ragan Smith, Emma Malabuyo, and Maile OKeefe. Konnor is no outlier to the family trade - shes been athletically gifted since birth; sitting, crawling, and walking before her peers. These two were the most amazing people I knew. Konnor McClain (Revolution) She turned her focus instead to her. Its easier to take it inif Im not OK, its OK now. Uncertain. A lot. The family moved to West Virginia when McClain was 3. Konnor McClain, rising U.S. gymnast, focuses on 2024 Olympic cycle She wanted to move gyms. Then, at the U.S. Classic in May 2021, she struggled. It's a goal that appears in reach if she can build on two days that showcased her power, precision and maturity. It was kind of crazy.. A national title? But I was not expecting the outcome that happened.. Muramoto was a singles skater through her teens, then competed in the 2018 Olympics in dance with Chris Reed. I was like, Oh my gosh, what do I do now? And then each day, I was like, Oh my gosh, this is actually real.. Konnor McClain's abusive former coaches are on Reddit? Konnor speaks more to the struggle of growing up in West Virginia and with white people saying racist things around her. Beamon heeded the advice and advanced. Content Summary [ Hide] 1 1.After Almost Quitting Gymnastics, Konnor McClain Commits to LSU 2 2.Konnor McClain moves to WOGA - Inside Gymnastics Magazine 3 3.Konnor McClain moves to WOGA (confirmed on her IG) : r/Gymnastics 4 4.why did konnor mcclain switch gyms 5 5.Elite gymnast Konnor McClain's abrupt move to WOGA 'all worth it' Unlike most of the NBC gymnastics pieces from over the years, these episodes take a more serious angle. I literally thought that I was the most garbage gymnast ever, she said this week. Boston broke the mens long jump world record six times between 1960-65 and shared the record going into the 1968 Mexico City Games. Since then, the site has transformed into a one-stop-shop for college gymnastics news, from recruiting analysis to meet coverage at the NCAA national championships thanks to the hard work of 15-plus contributors. There McClain was on Sunday night during the final night of the 2022 championships, the talent that had always been apparent on full display, buoyed by a self-belief borne out of a mix of loss, grief and determination. I think it definitely happened way too fast for me and too fast for my brain to handle all of that, she said. It may not display this or other websites correctly. For 2024, we had everything worked out, we were feeling good about it, we have plenty of time. TAMPA, Fla. -- Konnor McClain arrived in Texas last spring adrift, her confidence shattered. Your email address will not be published. And that moment was special for me because it just was so surreal after everything that we'd been through, Susan shared. I really want to do it for myself, she said, and for that little 11-year-old girl who wanted it, too., READ THIS NEXT: After Elite Heartbreak, Aleah Finnegan Is Ready for Fresh Start at LSU. Konnor decided to switch gyms because things just kept going poorly at her gym. If not for Boston, fellow American long jumperBob Beamonmight not have pulled off the most astonishing feat of those Olympics. I just wanted to give you this just so you have something to remember him and just to know that he's right there with you, explained McClain. I feel like it encourages all of us to be honest, just all of us supporting each other from different DI colleges all around, and then me and my younger brother were doing our thing togetherI feel like it encourages us and strives us to be better, Konnor shared. In the few months she spent at WOGA, McClain has already made two important decisions. So this one element cost her a LOT and didn't gain her anything. There were other milestones too, such as her first National Team Camp. Carl Lewis (@Carl_Lewis) April 30, 2023, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Flipboard (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Daisuke Takahashi, pioneering Japanese figure skater, retires again, Ralph Boston, Olympic long jump champion, dies at 83, Ukraine boycotts judo worlds after Russians, Belarusians allowed as neutrals, Joel Embiid unlikely to play at FIBA World Cup, France coach says, who called Owens a mentor and dear friend, reportedly became Beamons unofficial coach. When asked separately what their favorite moment in Konnors career has been, both Lorinda and Susan said it was when she won first all-around at Jesolo. She committed to an elite schedule that she hopes will take her to the world championships this fall and eventually to Paris 2024, and she chose LSU as her future NCAA team. She just is so self-driven that Konnor's going to make it work wherever she is., Though her coaching situation may be an unusual one, its certainly a perfect fit for her. With McClain, her confidence restored, on the cusp of an opportunity she feared would never come. Try to forget the past and not be anxious about the future. I never thought this could happen, ever, McClain said. Yet a year removed from a second-place finish to the Russian in Japan, the Americans appear to be a threat to return to the top of the sport even with reigning Olympic champion Lee and Biles both on sabbaticals from elite competition. A week later, her grandmother also passed. Most gymnasts dont suddenly find out theyre eligible for the Olympics a year before Trials, something else that keeps Konnor off the traditional gymnastics path. A Look Back in Photos - 2019 U.S. Championships. On the first rotation Sunday, McClain turned a .8 deficit into a 1.1-point lead after Jones fell on beam and McClain nailed her double twisting Yurchenko vault. Were just trying to get her back on track. She's the one who wanted to do it. Then, last December, Marc contracted COVID-19. Uncertain. For her family, this was no surprise. 2) Konnor is a rare breed. The night she got home from Classic, she cleared everything out of her locker, which is commemorated in a TikTok, obviously. I just wanted to make sure I had everything it took to help Konnor reach her ultimate goal, just equipping myself with as many tools as I can, she shared, adding, Konnor's always pulling meIm not necessarily in the lead here in the training. As far as upgrades, Konnor and Susan have a lot planned. Despite their close friendship with Konnor's old coach, Konnor's parents . Once a junior standout herself, McClains career was fast forwarded during the COVID-19 pandemic. I didnt want to compete., After the meet, what was supposed to be the beginning of a stellar Olympic journey felt like the end of her entire career. Those three, along with McClain, Jones, DiCello and Skye Blakely appear to be the top contenders to make the five-woman team that will head to Liverpool for the world championships in late October. When it comes to gymnastics, Konnor McClain never takes the conventional route to success. McClains journey still has a long way to go. She doesn't talk a lot still, but it's so good that Susan knows her. For Susan, the meet was memorable for an entirely different reason. This year will be the first year that she is the only gymnast competing at her level. Konnor McClains Olympic year was not supposed to go this way. This was an easy decision for the family. Her grandma passed less than a week later. The video was originally uploaded by Konnor's mom, Lorinda McClain, because Konnor liked watching herself after practice. On floor theyre working on a double layout full out, and she competed her two and a half twist through to a double pike at camp. How Konnor McClain Carves Her Own Path To Success