In recent years, gymnastics has undergone a vast transformation, propelled by iconic figures such as Simone Biles, Olivia Dunne, Gabby Douglas, and many others. They have become symbols of innovation and change within the sport. All of them have their own stories which inspired young stars to join the clan that is gymnastics.

Many of these influential athletes are also college competitors like Dunne, and some are currently pursuing their Olympic dreams, such as Biles, who, at 27, could potentially become the oldest women’s all-around Olympic gold medalist since Maria Gorokhovskaya of the Soviet Union. These athletes have made invaluable contributions to gymnastics, shaping its future and inspiring generations to come. Here are some athletes who have contributed greatly to supporting and inspiring young athletes.

Simone Biles- Overcame the twisties to shine as the gymnastics GOAT

Simone’s devotion to gymnastics, phenomenal performance, and admirable character have inspired many girls of color to participate in sports and embrace her activism. Biles grew up with her grandparents, who adopted her as her biological mother struggled with drug addiction. Despite these challenges, she showed the world that it doesn’t matter; you can still achieve greatness.

Biles’ natural abilities in sports were discovered at the young age of six. She began imitating the athletes and caught the eye of a coach who later invited her to join gymnastics. Despite her age, she broke the norm and joined the clan. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career, and as of 2024, she has 37 medals to her name. But that’s not all.

Biles’ strength and authenticity were evident in her decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health, a bold move that highlighted the importance of mental well-being. While her athletic achievements are remarkable, Simone also excels in receiving awards for her inspirational and influential personality.

In 2021, she was honored with the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to sports and society. Her tireless advocacy for athletes’ mental health, children in foster care, and victims of sexual assault has garnered widespread acclaim and recognition. Furthermore, her remarkable achievements have been acknowledged with four Laureus Awards, firmly establishing her as a beacon of inspiration for young gymnasts worldwide.

Olivia Dunne- A millionaire at a young age

Her story is a bit different from Simone Biles’s, but it is equally impactful. Despite being 21 years old, Olivia Dunne has amassed a net worth of $6 million and holds the impressive rank of number 2 on the NIL value list, with $3.9 million. Her ability to achieve success at a young age defies expectations, with gymnastics serving as the cornerstone of her journey. Raised in a family environment, she was given the freedom to pursue her passions. Her parents played a role in fostering her talent by ensuring she had access to top-notch training and facilities. Dunne’s foray into gymnastics began at the tender age of three. She leveraged her skills to showcase herself to the world through media platforms.

Olivia has completely changed the perception of gymnastics by utilizing social media platforms such, as Instagram and TikTok. With 7.9 million followers on TikTok and 5.1 million on Instagram, she has become a known figure in many households. Through sharing captivating content that combines her skills with glimpses of her life, Olivia has not just made gymnastics a common topic of discussion, but has also motivated millions of people globally.

Oksana Chusovitina- Proving age is just a number

At 48, gymnast Oksana Chusovitina remains an inspiration to women worldwide as she attempted to qualify for her ninth Olympic Games. Unfortunately, an injury in May 2024 ended her bid. Chusovitina’s long career is particularly remarkable in gymnastics, a sport where medalists are often in their teens and elite careers are typically short-lived.

Competing alongside gymnasts a third of her age, she achieved remarkable feats such as winning an Olympic gold medal in 1992 with the Unified Team of post-Soviet athletes and securing a silver in the vault in 2008 while representing Germany, her residence at the time. Chusovitina stands as one of the dwindling active athletes who once represented the Soviet Union, clinching world championship gold in 1991 at a mere 16 years old. Throughout the decades, she has exemplified resilience and passion by retiring and un-retiring multiple times, showcasing an enduring dedication to her sport.

Despite her latest injury, she has not announced any plans for her future. Through her journey, Chusovitina teaches that true talent and determination know no bounds, continuing to inspire countless individuals around the world.

Gabby Douglas- An eight-year gymnastics break, but no end in sight

Gabby Douglas captured the hearts of millions worldwide as an Olympic gymnast. She earned recognition as the first African American woman to win the individual all-around gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Overcoming numerous challenges, including financial constraints and racial barriers, Douglas achieved her Olympic dreams through unwavering dedication and extraordinary talent. Her triumph not only highlighted her remarkable abilities but also paved the way for future generations of athletes.

This year, at 28, Douglas competed at the American Classic in Katy, Texas, in April. Despite moments of shakiness and inconsistency, she showed flashes of her former brilliance, finishing 11th overall. This performance is noteworthy, considering she hadn’t competed in elite gymnastics since the 2016 Rio Olympics. Although an injury has dashed her hopes for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Douglas has set her sights on the 2028 Olympics, when she will be 32. Her determination to return and compete at the highest level continues to inspire many, showing passion can defy the odds and achieve greatness.

A compelling example of how Gabby Douglas inspires young girls is Simone Biles. Biles has many times expressed her admiration for Douglas early in her career. Biles revealed that seeing Douglas in the 2012 Olympics inspired her, and she hoped to instill confidence in little African Americans all over the world. This shows how each of these athletes contributes to gymnastics and inspires countless others through their unique journeys.