What drives a young athlete to push beyond limits and carve their name in history? For Morgan Price, the answer lies in relentless determination, a hunger for success, and a source of inspiration that keeps her going. The rising star of Fisk University’s gymnastics team has already made a lasting impact, but behind her success is the influence of a gymnast she deeply admires.

Morgan Price is no ordinary gymnast. At just 19 years old, she has already made history in 2024 by becoming the first gymnast from an HBCU to win a USAG College National Championship. But her journey to the top wasn’t just about breaking records; it was about following in the footsteps of someone she admired. That someone is Kiya Johnson, the LSU superstar who dominated the NCAA gymnastics scene.

Morgan Price reveals her gymnastics idol

Morgan Price has always looked up to Kiya Johnson, a star gymnast from LSU. In a video uploaded on the YouTube channel of  ‘Togethxr‘on Saturday, Price revealed how much Johnson inspired her gymnastics journey. “My inspiration, like, my favorite gymnast to watch is Kiya Johnson,” she said. “I used to train with her at Texas Dreams, and she’s just always, like, so aggressive and so, like, dominant.” Price shared about Kiya.

Johnson’s dominance in the sport and her ability to command attention in every routine motivated Price to adopt a similar approach. “She does all around. I do all-around as well, but just like every event that she does, I just see her, like, determination,” she continued. “I just try to, like, mimic that when I do gymnastics as well.”

That determination has propelled Price to achieve feats many never thought possible. Morgan Price took a bold leap when she decommitted from the University of Arkansas to join Fisk University’s brand-new gymnastics program in 2022, proving that talent could shine beyond the usual powerhouse schools. She helped Fisk make history as the first HBCU gymnastics team to compete at the NCAA level in 2023. But she didn’t just make history but she dominated it! In her first year, she became the first HBCU gymnast to score a perfect 10 at Temple University, showing the world she was more than just a competitor. Price was a trailblazer!

As Morgan Price builds her own legacy, the star never forgets the influence of those who came before her. Her words about Johnson reflect the impact an athlete’s journey can have on the next generation. For Price, Johnson was more than just a gymnast but she was a symbol of determination, domination, and excellence.

A champion’s new role

Interestingly, while Price continues to shine in the world of gymnastics, Johnson has taken a new path. After leading LSU to an NCAA Championship victory in 2024, Johnson retired from competition and stepped into a new role as a Production Assistant at ESPN’s SEC Network. Transitioning from a performer to a broadcaster, she now provides an in-depth analysis of the sport she once dominated.

For Price, seeing Johnson’s evolution is yet another demonstration of her flexibility and determination. Whether on the mat or behind the news desk, Johnson continues to inspire. And for young gymnasts like Morgan Price, that inspiration translates into tangible success.

As Price continues her journey, one thing is clear she is not just following in Johnson’s footsteps but she is carving her own path. With every record she breaks and every boundary she shatters, she is becoming an inspiration herself. And maybe, just maybe, in a few years, another young gymnast will point to Morgan Price and say, ‘She’s my inspiration!’

So, what do you think? Who has been your biggest inspiration in sports? Comment below and let’s talk about the athletes who have shaped our journeys!