Having Struggled in Tokyo Olympics, 11x Pan Am Champ Evita Griskenas Opens Up About Rhythmic Gymnastics Challenges

Evita Griskenas, an exemplary student at Columbia University, excels as a prominent figure in both academia and athletics. In addition to her scholarly pursuits, Griskenas is renowned as a formidable rhythmic gymnast proudly representing Team USA. While her journey at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics saw her ranked 12th, but she didn’t give up. Notably, Griskenas secured the all-around silver medal at the 2023 Pan American Games and holds the distinction of being the 11-time Pan American Champion.

Despite these remarkable achievements and setbacks, Griskenas remains focused on her aspirations for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Recently, Brooke Fletcher, the esteemed host and reporter for Fox Sports Detroit, conducted an insightful interview with Griskenas. During their conversation, the 23-year-old athlete delved into the challenging aspects of rhythmic gymnastics.

 Evita Griskenas unfurls if gymnastics really is all that its cut out to be

The rally shared a post about X, featuring an interview with Griskenas. She was asked, ‘In your specific sport, what do you find to be the most challenging aspect of rhythmic gymnastics?’ Her response exuded sweetness and politeness, showcasing the elevated nature of their conversation. However, she noted a common challenge in rhythmic gymnastics facilities across the United States. Despite the relatively high ceilings, they often prove insufficient for her needs.

She frequently encounters issues such as her hoop rebounding off the ceiling, clubs becoming wedged, or ribbons getting caught. While the ball may pose fewer problems. She added, “But another thing is that rhythmic gymnastics is a lot more about strength than people realize. They see it as, you know, beautiful dance or something that seems very easy, but the amount of strength and conditioning that’s required is very serious.” she emphasized the significant strength and conditioning required for rhythmic gymnastics. Moreover, she also shared her insight for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Embracing versatility ahead of Paris 2024

When asked about the routine, she’s preparing for the upcoming Olympics. She delved into the unique dynamics of rhythmic gymnastics compared to artistic gymnastics. Unlike the specialization in specific events, rhythmic gymnasts must excel across a variety of apparatuses, including the hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon. Each routine becomes a narrative, a story to be conveyed with emotion and artistry, fostering a deep connection with the audience.

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Reflecting on her anticipation of Paris, she expressed excitement at the prospect of performing before an audience once more, highlighting the absence of spectators in Tokyo as a significant contrast and emphasizing the vital role of audience engagement in her performances.

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