The year 2021 was brutal for the world—COVID-19, chaos, cancellations—you name it. But for Konnor McClain, the devastation hit far closer to home. Her world didn’t just shift. It shattered! On December 27, 2021, in the still hours of the night, Konnor lost her father to COVID-19. At 1:27 a.m., time stood still for the young gymnast. Her heartbreak poured out in a gut-wrenching Instagram post: “i love you❤️ rip dad december 27th, 2021 1:27 am.” Attached was a photo that said it all—a little Konnor, arms wrapped tightly around her father, pure love frozen in time. But the storm didn’t stop there!

Just one week later, Konnor lost her grandmother, too. Two back-to-back blows that could have broken anyone. And yet—Konnor didn’t fold. Instead, she rose. How? Fast forward to August 2022—Konnor McClain stepped onto the mat at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships and made history. She clinched the all-around title, standing tall alongside Shilese Jones and Jordan Chiles. So how did she do it? 

Maybe it was the words of her father that echoed in her heart. After facing personal tragedy and physical setbacks, Konnor McClain’s every performance is a statement that she’s still here, still fighting, and still chasing greatness. And there’s some added motivation for her from her father. Want to know what that is? The gymnast herself explained in ESPN’s story—a story that framed her through several points and scenes from her childhood to her present form donning LSU’s color. 

On April 11, ESPN’s Instagram story gave fans a raw and deeply personal glimpse into the heart of LSU gymnastics star Konnor McClain—and it’s one that stopped people mid-scroll. In the emotional clip, Konnor revealed a quiet ritual she keeps before every meet: She sends a text to her dad. Just “little messages,” as she calls them. Nothing extravagant—just words from a daughter to the man who once stood beside her biggest dreams: “I love you dad (heart emoji)” displayed on the screen. “I don’t get a response,” she says with a soft smile, “but it still means something.” That one sentence hit hard. Because behind the glitter of NCAA gymnastics and the roar of the crowd, there’s a young woman carrying a legacy in her heart—every dismount, every routine, every text. And there is more.

Konnor McClain’s father used to call her “bird”—a nickname inspired by the way she soared effortlessly through the air. She said in the same clip, “Cause she flys, that is his bird, cause she flys.” He believed in her before the world knew her name. And after losing him in December 2021, followed by her grandmother just a week later, Konnor could have stopped. Many would have understood. But she didn’t. Just look at her performance this year. 

Konnor McClain is turning up at the right moment 

This year, the LSU star stepped onto the mat like she never left, throwing double layouts on vault—a bold, jaw-dropping move for anyone, let alone someone who’s battled through a string of injuries. When injury struck at the Core Hydration Classic last year, it could’ve been the end of the story. But Konnor didn’t fold. She waited. She healed. She stayed grounded. And when she finally soared? Wow. The crowd felt it. Evidence?

On April 9, LSU Gymnastics said it best: “Oh how we missed watching @_KonnorMcClain on floor.” After months away, Konnor returned and lit up the NCAA Regional Final with a breathtaking 9.900 on floor. It wasn’t just a comeback—it was a clutch. Her score gave LSU the boost they needed to soar past Arkansas, Kentucky, and Michigan State. Now, the real test awaits.

On April 17, LSU heads into the NCAA Semifinals, where they’ll face off against No. 4 Utah, No. 5 UCLA, and No. 8 Michigan State. The stakes couldn’t be higher. And once again, all eyes will be on Konnor. But here’s the thing—Konnor McClain isn’t just performing for titles. She must be flying for something far greater. For the little girl who hugged her dad in that old photo. For the “bird” her father believed in. For every person who’s ever had to rebuild from heartbreak. And when she steps on that floor in the semis—believe it—she’s not just back. She’s soaring.