Leanne Wong, the gymnastics prodigy, best known for balancing elite gymnastics and college like a pro, looks forward to her second Olympic entry. Having been an active part of several gold-winning teams at the elite level, the need for a college life hit her, unlike Simone Biles, who didn’t want to put her elite career at stake. But Wong signed up with the University of Florida for the 2022-25 session and is continuing to taste success. But what’s next?

In an exclusive EssentiallySports interview, the 20-year-old shared her training plans and how juggling college and elite life is. As she ‘packed up’ her stuff to head to college, she knew she was made for both the NCAA and the Olympics. Now, getting ready for Paris, how does her training look?

Leanne Wong divulges the real reason behind her flexible routine

Leanne Wong has mindfully kept herself off the NCAA roster for the wholehearted Olympics’ training. In 2021, at the Kitakyushu World Championships, she earned the all-around silver. Shortly after, she flew to Florida to venture out on the college journey. Her debut tournament as a Gator against Utah brought the gold for the team in her freshman year. Making her elite comeback in 2022, a stunning performance on the vault anchored the US team to the World title. In two consecutive years (2022 and 2023), her scores played a major role in the World team victory. However, managing college as a sophomore and elite simultaneously was seamless. How so?

“I’ve been incredibly thankful for my coaches here at the University of Florida who have been very supportive of me balancing both college and elite gymnastics and allowing me to be a Gator while pursuing my Paris Olympic dreams,” said the 20-year-old. In a way, training with the college team religiously was enough to plant the Olympic seed in her heart. But the path Biles didn’t walk. Did Wong truly enjoy it?

Wong’s Gators’ team seasoned her for life

“Ever since I have joined the Florida Gators gymnastics team, I’ve had so much fun competing for my school and the team environment has been amazing“, said the 20-year-old. At the SEC Championships, Wong unfurled victory in both her freshman and sophomore years. But her older counterpart, the most decorated gymnast in history, missed out on the beauty of college life.

Having been registered with the University of People, Simone Biles earned a college degree online, but that wasn’t anything close to what Wong has. Both the gymnasts are tied to the same chord now. The Paris Olympics are just around the corner and there are just 126 days to go.

READ MORE: 4x World Champ Leanne Wong Reveals How Nastia Liukin Fueled Her Gymnastics Dream Growing Up