Haleigh Bryant makes a triumphant return to all-around. Expectations were at par as LSU’s star gymnast overcame a challenging elbow UCL injury before taking part in the all-around. However, she guided the LSU Tigers to a narrow victory over Kentucky. This marked the first time this season that Bryant has participated in all four events. Can she be consistent as the anchor of the team again? As Bryant approaches her final home meet against Georgia, her recent performances and heartfelt reflections indicate a strong finish to her collegiate career.

Speaking to NOLA.com, Bryant reflected on her physical condition and mental approach heading into the final stretch of the season. “Physically, yes, I think my body is in a really good spot right now.” Haleigh Bryant faced a major setback when she suffered an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in her elbow while vaulting during the Tigers’ Gymnastics 101 exhibition meet on December 16. In the Tigers’ 197.200-197.075 win at Kentucky, head coach Jay Clark strategically placed her in the anchor position for three of the four events: vault, bars, and floor.

Adding further, she said, “I do feel fresh, and that’s a good thing going into the end of the season because that isn’t how it’s been in years past. The thing is to trust my gymnastics because I haven’t had as many numbers on some events.” Bryant has only performed 17 routines this season, which is almost half if compared to last year’s Podium Challenge.

Just being able to turn my mind off, knowing I’ve done these routines so many times, just do my normal gymnastics out there and not try to press and be perfect every single time. Bryant looked good as she completed the routine with a 39.500, finishing second to LSU freshman phenom Kailin Chio (39.575) in straight all-around.

Bryant has proven in past seasons that she can deliver under pressure. In last year’s Podium Challenge, she delivered a near-flawless performance, scoring perfect 10s on vault and bars, a 9.95 on the balance beam, and a 9.975 on the floor, with one judge awarding her a perfect score. That incredible showing resulted in a 39.925 all-around total, tying Oklahoma’s Jordan Bowers for the highest all-around score in the nation for 2024.

However, this season, Bryant has yet to achieve a perfect 10—along with the rest of the LSU gymnasts. This is probably due to noticeably tighter scoring. Despite this, she has remained consistent, earning four 9.95s and eight scores of 9.90 or higher, proving her elite status remains intact.

This year, she may not have the perfect scores yet, but her determination has captivated fans and teammates alike. With the postseason fast approaching, her ability to push through adversity and trust in her routines will be crucial for LSU’s success. As LSU prepares for their final home meet at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center against Georgia, all eyes will be on Bryant. Last season, she dazzled with her dominance, setting the bar for excellence.

All Eyes on Haleigh Bryant as LSU Gymnastics to face Georgia Washington University next

The No. 2 LSU Gymnastics team (8-2, 5-1 SEC) will travel down the road to the Raising Cane’s River Center, where they will face No. 35 George Washington (16-3, 3-0 EAGL) on Friday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. CT. George Washington enters the competition with a National Qualifying Score (NQS) of 195.270 heading into week nine of the regular season. Their season-high score of 196.550 is the highest any team in the EAGL conference has earned this season. They have finished first in their last five meets and remain undefeated in their conference.

LSU holds an undefeated record against George Washington, with an overall series tally of 11-0-0. This year marks the third consecutive year the two teams will meet in the Podium Challenge. Since the meet’s inception in 2023, the Tigers have consistently come out on top. LSU’s six counting scores toward their NQS are 198.050, 198.000, 197.550, 197.650, 197.300, and 197.200, dropping their season-high score of 198.050 against Oklahoma while averaging the rest.

With both teams performing at high levels, the upcoming meet promises to be a competitive showdown. LSU looks to maintain its dominance, while George Washington aims to continue its strong season and challenge the Tigers. As the regular season progresses, this matchup will be crucial in shaping both teams’ postseason prospects