?Can Be Frustrating:? American Gymnast Leanne Wong Reveals Dark Side of Gymnastics (Exclusive)

Athletes across all sports can face burnout, especially those who are involved with gymnastics. Leanne Wong, Joscelyn Roberson‘s vault replacement at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship, faced an unexpected turn of events. After her 10th finish at the Selection Event, she secured the second alternate position. Thereafter, Roberson’s lower left leg injury included Wong in the 9-vaulter list. During that time, Wong had to go through the mindset switch within seconds.

For gymnasts of great measure, falling out of love with gymnastics is not uncommon. Usually, that may happen due to the difficulty level of the sport. However, the same can’t be said about the 2021 World all-around silver medalist, as she keeps herself motivated in all situations. In an exclusive interview with the iconic Essentially Sports, the 20-year-old candidly spoke about the dark side of gymnastics.

Leanne Wong opens up about the untold side of gymnastics

In the interview, ES asked, “There have been gymnasts who have been candid about falling out of love with the sport at times. Have you ever felt that way? Who guides you and motivates you to keep going forward when that happens? Do you have some strategies to cope with the pressure and stress?” Wong didn’t take a moment to reveal the unknown side of her holy sport. She said, “There are many gymnasts who fall out of love with the sport of gymnastics since it requires such a tremendous amount of mental and physical strength. It can be frustrating when one is unable to get a certain skill and can?t move up levels.”?

Adding to that, she unveiled her main mantra and how she doesn’t let any downfalls affect her mentally. The 20-year-old said, “I stay motivated by setting goals and looking forward to what?s next. As a competitive gymnast, the pressure and stress will always be there, set by you, your coach, or outside factors. It?s important to learn how to control the nerves when competing and learn to enjoy the moment.”

Though she spoke about the difficulties other gymnasts may have faced, her personal outlook asserted sheer determination and stood as a testament to her willpower. Along similar lines, another US gymnast fell out of love with gymnastics a while back.

Jordan Chiles’ gymnastic setback

Jordan Chiles, the 22-year-old artistic gymnast, recently anchored her team to gold at the 2023 Pan-American Games. Looking back at her gymnastic career, Chiles has had her share of setbacks. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist may have considered the silver as a consolation prize. Gina Chiles revealed her daughter’s woeful moment when she almost gave up on gymnastics. She quoted Chiles, saying, ?Jordan was adamant she was done. She was like, ?Nah, I?m done done. After the Olympics, I?m going to go and do UCLA and then I?m done.??

READ MORE: Over 200,000 Americans Find an Ally in Leanne Wong, as the Gymnastics Star Takes a Strong Stance for a Noble Cause

Fast forward to two years after that incident, Chiles is ready to give up on everything for gymnastics. Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 22-year-old is girding up for the upcoming events.

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