8 Years After Predicting To Be in the Olympics, 18-Year-Old American Gymnast Gets Closer to Achieving Her Dream

With hard work, determination and focus, one can achieve anything one wants. 18-year-old gymnast Konnor McClain was just 11 years old when she appeared on the Steve Harvey Show in 2016. At that age, McClain predicted that she would make it to the 2024 Paris Olympics on the show. Fast forward to 2023, and it seems like the gymnast is not far away from her big dream.

On June 8, Konnor McClain talked to TODAY?s Savannah Guthrie about the prediction she made at Steve Harvey’s show 8 years ago. In a remarkable case of foreshadowing, McClain discussed what it’s like being able to come so close to the goal that she saw for years.

Konnor McClain?s journey as a gymnast is inspiring

18-year-old Konnor McClain began training as a gymnast when she was 18 months old. In 2016, when Steve Harvey learned about her big goal, he told the little girl, ?I understand that you are preparing for a big opportunity, what is that??

McClain revealed that she did not just want to make it to the 2024 Olympics but also had her eyes on a definite medal. The then, 11-year-old told the famous host that she will win the all-around gold medal, acing the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor events. Listening to her commendable determination, Harvey told her, ?I think you?re going to make it.?

A few days ago, McClain appeared in Olympics team trials. However, the talented gymnast will only come to know if she made it to Team USA, next June. Yet, despite the uncertainty of the results, the Nevada-born athlete is proud of her journey so far. She told Today, ?It feels incredible. Oh, my gosh, it feels like I?m almost there.?

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McClain is yet to make it to the Olympics, but she has excelled in several impressive championships. In 2019, she won the City of Jesolo Trophy and the U.S. Classic Junior All-Around Champion. She became the US. National Champion in 2022. However, her gymnastics journey so far was not a cakewalk. Last year, she faced an unfortunate block.

What happened to Konnor McClain in 2022?

In 2022, Konnor McClain had a successful run. However, despite her performances, she was unable to participate in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool, England. The young gymnast took to her Instagram to reveal that she had encountered a serious back injury that would prohibit her from participating in the championship.

She further expressed in her post that it was upsetting considering her string of successful performances. However, McClain added that she was excited to come back stronger and healthier next year. The gymnast concluded her note, ?I want to thank my family and coaches for all the support!”

Despite the unfavorable circumstances, the gymnastics world saw her rise as she continued preparing for her Olympics goal. If McClain gets selected for next year’s ultimate championship, it would be the world for her.

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