“In for a Treat”: Aly Raisman’s Career Shift With ESPN Leaves Gymnastics World in Frenzy

Aly Raisman has made America proud as captain of the gold-winning U.S. women’s gymnastics teams “Fierce Five” at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 “Final Five” at the Rio Olympics. She is even christened as the third-most decorated gymnast, behind Simone Biles and Shannon Miller.

Despite her retirement from the sport on January 14, 2020, she continues to be a strong voice in gymnastics for her advocacy and legend status. And now she is set to re-enter the gymnastics world and disseminate her expertise about the sport she loves in a way she sees fit. In a new career shift with ESPN, this innocuously exciting career update set the gymternet ablaze with excitement.

Aly Raisman is dabbling yet again in the gymnastics world as a raconteur

In an Instagram post, Aly Raisman shared her new career journey with gymnastics fans. She wrote, “Excited to join the @espn family & gymnastics team and share my passion & love for the sport in a new way.” Raisman will begin a new career within the sport as a sports analyst on ESPN. She’ll be commentating on NCAA gymnastics on the network. Although she’s a bit nervous, Aly also shared that she is excited and has been preparing for the role by watching old gymnastics meets, recording herself, talking about them, and taking notes to improve.

And that’s not all. She’ll be working alongside another former U.S. Olympian, John Roethlisberger, who also commentates on college gymnastics for ESPN. The announcement stirred excitement within the gymnastics community and among sports enthusiasts, marking the return of a legend to the world of gymnastics.

Fans welcome the legend with open arms

The gymternet erupted in excitement, witnessing thousands of likes and comments flooding in, eager to witness the legend give her input about the next generation of gymnastic stars. Ellie Black, the Canadian artistic gymnast and 3x Olympian, wrote in the comments, “Cannot wait! You are going to shine! ❤️” Inside Gymnastics Magazine also shared their excitement, saying, “Beyond excited for this! Congratulations, Aly!” Another legend, Maggie Nichols, the first Oklahoma Sooners to do a gym Slam, commented, “Congrats, Aly❤️” Brenna Huckaby, the American snowboarder and a 3x Paralympic champion, gushed, saying, “Ahhh you’re going to crush it!!” Fans could not contain their excitement as well.

Read more: Retired Athlete Who Walked Out of NCAA Gymnastics to Fight Abuse Stands in Solidarity With Jade Carey’s Teammate: “Inspire Me”

One fan complimented the icon and shared,

“ESPN is in for a real treat🙂👍” while another fan shared, “Mazel Tov and huge congratulations, Aly! Can’t wait to hear your expertise.” Fans can catch the gymnastics legend make her debut on the SEC Network as part of ESPN’s lineup for the Kentucky vs. LSU game on Friday, Jan. 19, airing at 9 p.m. ET.

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