The balance between collegiate and elite gymnastics has grown more difficult in gymnastics where precision and practice are key. While some athletes, like Leanne Wong meld collegiate competitions with elite goals, others, like Jordan Chiles, find answers to handle several obligations as the Olympic silver medalist prepares for her second Olympic spot.

Chiles, an ex-UCLA sophomore, has returned to her home gym, while NCAA gymnasts Wong and Jade Carey compete weekly for their respective college teams. Taking note of Wong’s ability to balance this dual endeavor took an interest in learning more about her success formula.

Jordan Chiles seeks advice from four-time World champion- Leanne Wong

Leanne Wong reiterated her place posing a nation-high all-around score of 39.875 in the NCAA Championship after a perfect 10 on floor event against No.2 LSU on February 23, 2024. She became the 15th woman to accomplish a gym slam and earned SEC gymnast of the week. Recently, responding to Jordan Chiles’s praise for her ability to juggle dual gymnastics commitment, Wong said in an Inside Gymnastics feature, “There’s different people who need to be focused on one thing, but then there’s others who strive and succeed with many things going on.”

She went on to say, “I do think that having a lot of things going on keeps my mind going and kind of helps me balance everything.” Wong competed as an alternate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and might consider competing in several national and international events following the NCAA competitions which conclude in April.

Meanwhile, Jordan Chiles competed in the 2023 Pan American Games following a hiatus from her UCLA Bruins duties. Despite missing the 2024 Winter Cup because of a shoulder injury, Chiles is focused on earning a berth in the United States Olympic team. Even though the final roster for the American Olympic squad has not yet been announced, the selection process will be greatly influenced by the next national events.

From one elite to another, a shared pursuit of Olympic gold

Looking back on their respective journeys, Chiles had an impressive exit from the 2023 NCAA season, showing an incredible Yurchenko double and winning gold in the uneven bars and floor exercises before moving up to the elite practice. Leanne Wong, the only freshman in the country to record two flawless 10.000 scores, continues to perform well and poses a threat to the top competitors.

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