Debunking Stereotypes UCLA Gymnast Joins the Likes of Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and Sunisa Lee in Breaking Glass Ceilings

Historically, elite female gymnasts were often considered past their prime by the time they reached their 20s. The sport seemed to favor the youthful agility and daring acrobatics displayed by teenagers, leaving little room for mature athletes to compete at the highest level. Back in 1971, gymnasts were required to be at least 14 years old to compete in the Olympics. This changed a decade later when the age was increased to 15. In 1997, the minimum age was again changed to 16.

This was done to protect the young gymnasts, who were often rushed into the elite level of the sport at a young age, leading to burnout. Now, a new wave of inspiring athletes is redefining the norms again, proving that age should not be a barrier to pursuing Olympic dreams. Among them is Emma Malabuyo, a rising star and a junior at UCLA, who is determined to make her mark on the elite level once again.

Next-gen athletes are breaking gymnastics stereotypes

Times are changing, and gymnastics is witnessing a remarkable shift. Many prominent American female gymnasts, like Emma Malabuyo, Gabby?Douglas,?and?Sunisa?Lee, are defying the odds. They are now making a comeback to the elite level to pursue their dreams of competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Malabuyo said, ?When I was growing up, you peaked when you were 16. Gymnastics life is a short lifespan. You?re done at 22.? Thanks to the transition from elite to college gymnastics and back again, these athletes are now able to explore their full potential while experiencing team-oriented college competition.

For athletes like Malabuyo and Lee, college proved to be a transformative experience. While juggling NCAA titles and honing their skills, they found the drive to set their sights on the Paris Games. Emma Malabuyo, inspired by her passion for elite gymnastics, decided to return to the elite level after two years of competing in college. In her first elite event in two years, she won a silver medal while representing the Philippines in the Asian Championships. Her dedication and enthusiasm are met with admiration and support from UCLA coach Janelle McDonald who said, ?It?s been really exciting watching Emma grow in her goals again and really have the interest and the desire to get back and compete at the elite level.”?

In recent years, the gymnastics world has witnessed a cultural reckoning, questioning the physical and emotional toll on young athletes in the quest for excellence. A growing awareness of the potential risks associated with intense training and competition at a young age has prompted discussions about striking the right balance between nurturing talent and safeguarding the well-being of gymnasts. A most recent and notable example of this was Simone Biles. Her walking away from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, an event in which she was a clear favorite for multiple medals, was evidence of the amount of pressure these young athletes are constantly under. Biles is returning to action for the first time in a long while in next month’s Core Hydration Classic.

Simone Biles’ first elite event since Tokyo Olympics

The upcoming Core Hydration Classic promises to be an interesting competition that will also act as a qualifier for the U.S. Championships. With gymnastics icon Simone Biles, making a surprising return after the Tokyo Olympics, all eyes will be on Biles, who has not competed since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when she withdrew from the event citing mental health reasons. Malabuyo, like many, is thrilled to witness Biles’ remarkable comeback and believes in her ability to shine on the competition floor once again.

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In the pursuit of Olympic dreams, these gymnasts have proven that age matters less than the strength of their minds, maturity, and will. The world of gymnastics is witnessing a new era, where athletes like Emma Malabuyo and Simone Biles are setting an example for future generations.

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