After years of hard-fought triumphs and dedication, Emma Spence, the star gymnast from Nebraska, has officially announced her retirement from elite gymnastics. Known for her impressive career and standout performances, Spence’s journey in the sport comes to a bittersweet end, leaving fans and fellow athletes alike reflecting on her remarkable career. Her connection to athletics runs deep, with her great-grandmother, Mary Vandervliet, having represented Canada in the 100m at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.

On October 7, 2024, Spence took to Instagram to share an emotional carousel of images, showcasing her journey through the years. But it was the heartfelt caption that truly resonated with her fans. As the 2022 World Championships bronze medalist reflected on her time in the sport, she ended her note with a touch of gratitude while keeping it positive, “Here’s to one last year of NCAA gymnastics! 🤸‍♀️.” The NCAA star leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of gymnasts.

Emma tweeted on X with the caption “Thank you, gymnastics ❤️,” sharing a screenshot of her Instagram post that marked the end of her incredible journey in gymnastics. As she reflected on her 15-year career, she recalled how it all began with a simple love for flips, saying, “When I first started, I was just a little girl who loved doing flips with her friends.”

From there, Emma’s career skyrocketed, with her turning heads at the 2018 Elite Canada by clinching 3 golds on the floor, bars, and all-around, as well as a bronze on vault. She continued to impress on the international stage, even earning a bronze medal at the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games. In fact, she had the honor of being Canada’s flagbearer at the closing ceremony.

Emma’s journey wasn’t without its struggles, but it ultimately led her to a place where she could rediscover her love for the sport. “This journey has shaped me into a leader, an advocate, and an ambassador in a sport that broke me but also healed me in the last four years of my NCAA career.” After moving to the United States in 2021, Emma found a new kind of joy in collegiate gymnastics. She’d previously admitted that competition had begun to feel more like a chore, but the shift in environment allowed her to approach gymnastics with a new perspective. Her passion grew tenfold, and she was ready to take on the world again, embracing the sport with renewed enthusiasm.

As she looked back on her time in the sport, Emma was eager to share the invaluable lessons gymnastics had taught her. Her time at Nebraska, and with Husker Nation, had a lasting impact. “Thank you, Nebraska Gymnastics, Husker Nation, my coaches, and my teammates for helping me rediscover my love for the sport and achieve things I never thought would be possible for me again,” Emma continued, a tribute to the community that helped her find her passion for gymnastics again. Ending her career on a note of joy and fulfillment, with the same mindset she had when she first began.

A final bow, reflection on Emma Spence’s journey in gymnastics

In June of this year, Emma Spence shared with fans that she had originally planned to retire from gymnastics back in 2022. That year marked her return to elite gymnastics, but she knew that leaving the sport on a high note was essential. She wanted her final moments in competition to be filled with the joy and thrill of the sport, but after an eye-opening experience at the 2022 World Gymnastics Championships, Emma decided to keep going. She shared looking back on the unexpected successes she thought she could never achieve. Still, as she reflects on all she’s accomplished, Emma has made the difficult decision to step away.

Among her many career highlights, one of the most unforgettable came at the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games. During the vault finals, Emma went head-to-head with Hungarian gymnast Bácskay Csenge. Emma’s vault earned her a bronze medal with a score of 13.483, while Bácskay claimed the silver with a 13.933. This event was a turning point, marking Emma as a gymnast to watch on the international stage. Then, in 2022, Emma played a key role in helping Team Canada secure their first-ever medal at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. Her performance at these events has cemented her legacy as one of the most accomplished gymnasts of her generation.

While Emma prepares for her retirement, it’s clear that the University of Nebraska gymnastics program holds a special place in her heart. Despite a challenging season for the Huskers, junior Lauren Homecillo shared her deep affection for the program during an appearance on the “93.7 The Ticket” podcast. For both Lauren and Emma, the university has become not just a training round, but a second family.  incredible career continues to inspire, and her decision to retire marks the end of an era in gymnastics.