“FOREVER LSU. Without LSU my journey would have never been the same, thank y’all!!” Those words from Sha’Carri Richardson in 2021 probably still resonate through Baton Rouge today. Richardson’s rapid rise began at LSU, where she spent just one year before turning pro. That single season was enough to shatter records for her. She was 10.75 in the 100m dash at the 2019 NCAA Championships, which was, at that time, the ninth-fastest women’s time ever recorded worldwide. Fast forward to 2025, and another LSU program stands at the cusp of greatness, and as the Tigers’ gymnastics team enters their 42nd NCAA regional appearance, which this time as the unprecedented No. 1 overall seed, Richardson’s declaration of loyalty strikes a powerful chord. The track superstar who collected an NCAA title in purple and gold has something to say!

Well, we will say it was a two-word response! LSU Gymnastics, in collaboration with LSU Track and Field and Sha’Carri Richardson, posted an Instagram video today. The video was designed to hype up the team ahead of the NCAA postseason and gave a sneak peek into the Penn State Regionals—where LSU Gymnastics enters as the No. 1 overall seed for the first time in program history. The video opens with Mondo Duplantis, Olympic pole vault champion and LSU alum, narrating. He’s seen performing a vault that appears to be from his Paris 2024 Olympics performance.

The video opens with a stark truth: “There’s no easy way to the top. No shortcuts, no perfect path, just the grind.” Seconds later, Mondo Duplantis appears—vaulting high, the same fluid motion that took him to Olympic glory. The narration shifts: “New heights can only be reached when you believe in the process.” “Whether it’s the track runway—” Then, the baton passes to Olivia Dunne, LSU Gymnastics’ standout. She’s seen mid-air, executing a vault with precision. The voice continues: “—or the vault runway.”

Next comes Sha’Carri Richardson, sprinting in Olympic footage from her gold-winning 4x100m relay in 2024. Now the video tone brings sharp edge and energy: “Us Tigers know a thing or two about being in the spot right.” The video moves swiftly, now cutting to the present-day LSU Gymnastics squad. They’re training, performing, supporting each other, and locked in with purpose and unity. The narration reaches its final note as a collective voice speaks: “So just remember, you are here because you’re meant to be here.” “All you need is a little bit of that purple and gold running through your veins, and you’ll shine bright like the crown jewel you are.” LSU captioned the video simply: “Tigers vs. Everybody.” But the moment didn’t end there. Sha’Carri Richardson followed up in the comments with her own two-word message: “Geaux Tigers 💜💛!”

It wasn’t just Sha’Carri Richardson showing love. Olympic champion and pole vault world record holder Mondo Duplantis and Sha’Carri’s close friend from LSU also reposted the video on his Instagram story, simply captioning it with a “tiger emoji 🐅 and a crown 👑.”

Both joined LSU as freshmen in 2018, chasing big dreams. Sha’Carri went on to win The Bowerman in 2019, while Mondo was a finalist the same year. Reflecting on their college days, Mondo said in 2023: “It feels like just yesterday we were teenagers… cutting up and being stupid.” He added, “We also both had huge dreams… and we’re actually doing what we always hoped—manifesting what we could do.”

And they did fulfill their big dreams. But what about the current Tigers gymnastics squad? Have they made it to the NCAA Regional finals?

Sha’Carri Richardson’s former university’s gymnastics team has punched its ticket to the Regional final

Defending national champions and No. 1 seed in Penn State Regionals, LSU Gymnastics have taken one more confident stride in their title defense, advancing to the NCAA Regional Final with a dominant 198.100, joining Arkansas in the next round at Penn State. The Tigers opened the night on the floor, and they didn’t hold back. Kailin Chio, the SEC Freshman of the Year, and senior Aleah Finnegan posted matching 9.925s, while Haleigh Bryant, the 2025 SEC All-Around Champion, delivered a solid 9.900. After the first rotation, LSU sat on top with a 49.550, ahead of Arkansas, Michigan, and Maryland.

Next came the vault—LSU’s signature event. Five Tigers posted identical 9.900s, with only Finnegan’s 9.850 falling just short but not factoring into the team score. The Tigers extended their lead with a 49.500, sitting at 99.050 halfway through. On uneven bars, Lexi Zeiss led off and matched her season-best 9.900. That set the tone. Junior Ashley Cowan posted a 9.925, and even Bryant’s lowest score of the night—a 9.875—didn’t shake LSU’s rhythm. The third rotation ended with the Tigers holding strong at 148.575.

Beam was the final test. As Arkansas chased from behind, Sierra Ballard and Kylie Coen opened steadily. Then came  Konnor McClain and Bryant—each landing 9.900s. Finnegan closed the night in style, nailing a 9.950. Chio and Finnegan tied in the all-around standings with 39.625 each, and Bryant was just behind at 39.575. Despite Arkansas’ late push, LSU’s consistency held firm. A stumble by Arkansas’ Frankie Price (6.300) on the floor also sealed it. Final score? LSU at 198.100, Arkansas at 197.550. The next stop: Regional Final this Saturday.