Gymnastics Legend Celebrates Storied Career of Elite Gymnast Who’s Heading to the Next Chapter of Her Life

Addison Fatta’s gymnastics career is marked by a series of accomplishments since her debut as a junior in 2016. Over the years, she competed in prestigious meets such as the US Classics and the US National Championships. Recently, Fatta announced her decision to let that chapter of her life close, following a final attempt at an Olympic run. In a heartfelt celebration, the gymnastics community is now bidding farewell to the star. 

Additionally, this significant moment is marked by a special tribute from gymnastics legend Kathy Johnson Clarke, who honors Fatta’s extraordinary journey and contributions to the sport. As Addison embarks on this new journey, she has the guidance and support of experienced mentors to rely on for advice and encouragement.

Taking to X, Olympic bronze medalist and four-time World Championships team member Kathy Johnson Clarke shared a post praising Addison Fatta, who is retiring from elite gymnastics. Kathy expressed her admiration, writing, “What an extraordinary elite gymnastics journey you’ve had! Just as you grew so much, you helped grow USA Gymnastics! Congratulations!” Johnson-Clarke, as a gymnastics retiree herself, emphasized how more adventures await Fatta. Especially college gymnastics which is extremely fulfilling. Johnson-Clarke added, “What a special treat it will be for all of us cheering your every move! Onward & upward!”

This came in response to Addison Fatta’s X post announcing her withdrawal from the elite stage. “Dear Elite Gymnastics, Thank you for an experience that has been more than I have ever dreamed possible. 6 US Championships,  6 international trips, 2021 Olympic trials, and a 3x National team member. Sadly the time has come to say goodbye to this chapter of my gymnastics career,” Fatta had written. As she transitions to collegiate athletics, it is heartwarming to see veteran elite gymnasts rally their support behind her. This year, Fatta failed to make it to the US Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. 

While there are speculations that this is the reason Fatta is stepping down from the elite stage, she does not seem to be bitter about it at all. In the post, Fatta extended her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has stood by her throughout her elite career. Including all the national staff who have a “special place” in her heart. She also thanked her teammates for sticking with her through all her highs and lows. Though she has had a stunning few years of elite gymnastics, her time by her choosing is up. 

Fatta is now ready for her NCAA career

This year during the US Classic Games in Hart Ford, Addison was ranked at 42 with an all-around score of 29.950 amongst 49 competitors. She earned a score of 13.650 on the balance beam. This when compared to Simone Biles’ 59.500 falls short. However, she did qualify for the Xfinity games but failed to make it to the US trials. This was a major disappointment compared to last Olympic season when despite having recovered from an injury, Fatta forged through the Trials.

Even last year, during the Xfinity Games, she scored 13.850 on the first day. Followed by 13.350 on the second. She placed 18th all-around and her highest event was uneven bars where she ranked 16th. However just because Fatta is withdrawing from Elite Gymnastics, does not mean all is lost. Despite having signed a National Letter of Intent with the Oklahoma Sooners, in the 2023 National Championships she made the decision and deferred her NCAA career. She announced the news on Instagram, “I’ve decided that I am ready to see what else 2024 will hold for me.”

When one commenter said they did not understand why “AF would postpone going to OU to try for the Olympics… I be shocked if she made it to trials,” Fatta immediately clapped back, saying her ultimate goal was to hone her craft, not make the Olympics team. “Never have I ever said my goal for staying an extra year is to make the Olympic team. I truly love elite gymnastics and I wasn’t ready for it to end.” Even USA Gymnastics was in support of her, saying “We love you!!!.” Now the time has finally come for AF to carve a new path in collegiate gymnastics and make her university proud in the NCAA.