NCAA Gymnastics: UCLA Alumnus Guides Ian Gunther Toward a ‘Perfect 10’ Routine

The NCAA gymnastics scene has given rise to some of the country’s most notable figures over the years. While some have found a higher calling after their college lives, others have chosen to stay back and lend their expertise to future champions. Likewise, former UCLA Bruins athlete and NCAA gold medalist Gracie Kramer, after her collegiate career, found a new home with the Utah State Aggies as a volunteer coach. And now, it looks like it’s not just little girls who can benefit from her wisdom.

Four-time NCAA champ and Staford Cardinals sensation Ian Gunther is a towering name in the country’s gymnastics fans. However, even the 2023 Winter Cup medalist has a thing or two to learn from the floor routine expert.

NCAA gymnastics elite adds to his skillset

In a recent Instagram post by Kramer, the two NCAA gymnastics elites can be seen joining hands as Gunther attempts to expand his arsenal. “Teaching @iandgunther my floor routine“, reads the caption of the post as the accompanying video shows a candid Kramer state, “We’re gonna teach him a floor pass from my floor routine“. While Gunther starts his lessons a little anxious, he doesn’t perform too poorly.

After several tries, Ian finally got the move right and Kramer looked impressed. “It went so good“, exclaimed Gracie. Gunther’s spirited take on the difficult challenge dazzled his teacher, and she seemed convinced that he did a fine job on the task. “Do we think it was perfect 10 material?“, she wrote in her post. Notably, in a UCLA vs Washington match from 2020, Gracie recorded a Perfect 10 herself on the floor exercise. Maybe that’s what would make praising words coming from Kramer feel all the more inspiring for any gymnast.

However, it wasn’t all fun and games for Gunther all the time. “That hurt, ” groaned Ian after a successful Shushunova. With a bigger prize looming on the horizon, maybe that’s what Gunther needed as a kick-start to the engine.

More thrilling action en route

The 2024 Winter Cup hasn’t been all too well for the NCAA gymnastics star Gunther. However, he remains optimistic about the future and is eyeing a spot on the national team. Only days ago, Gunther took to social media to highlight how setbacks shaped his career and how he still continues to love the sport nonetheless. Now, with the Olympics only months away, Gunther’s newly acquired moves could be the one thing that might boost his preparations for Paris. Meanwhile, Gracie has her own reason to be happy about.

Read more: Gymnastics Winter Cup 2024: Disappointment Strikes NCAA Gymnast Ian Gunther as He Breaks Bars

The women’s gymnastics nationals are slated to commence later this month and the latest team rankings boast Gracie’s former team in the second place. With that in mind, both Gunther and Kramer have something to look forward to in the coming days. Tell us who will you be rooting for in this year’s NCAA finals in the comments below!

Also read: NCAA Gymnastics: UCLA Bruins Soar Past Cardinals, Nearing Postseason Glory