The UCLA Bruins are one of the country’s leading gymnastics programs and for good reason. With 7 NCAA titles under its name, the UCLA women’s gymnastics squad continues its reign with a 6-2 overall record in 2024. However, it hasn’t been a smooth sail at times with one of their key stars opting out of the collegiate competition with the Paris Olympics 2024 in mind.

Canadian Ana Padurariu delighted fans last month as she announced her return after a long hiatus induced by a foot injury. Right after her comeback, she made the headlines once again by recording a stunning 12.6 on the balance beam at the Canadian National Championships in February. And now, with eyes set on the Paris Games, Padurariu had to take a moment to attribute much of her success to her alma mater.

Canadian gymnast is nimble footed for the Paris Olympics 2024

In an interview with Inside Gymnastics Magazine earlier this month, Ana talked about how playing for the UCLA Bruins helped to bring out the best in her, which has brought her uncharted exploits on big stages. Padurariu mentioned that while a bigger aspiration made her decide to stay away from the 2024 NCAA competitions, her heart longs to return to her college, where her teammates continue chasing their own dreams.

“…one of the biggest things I miss about UCLA is just training with girls my age and being able to goof around“, said the Canadian gymnast, noting that training in a candid environment really contributed to her overall development over the years. “People just love gymnastics there.“, revealed Padurariu. “The environment at UCLA really brought out my energy“, she said further stating that the whole vibe just felt good even when she wasn’t training.

Understandably, staying away from her buddies for a whole year is taking its toll on the 21-year-old Ana. “One of the first UCLA meets that I was watching, I was just sitting on my couch, crying“, confessed Padurariu. However, with the Paris Olympics 2024 just five months away, she will have to buckle up as many of her NCAA opponents are gearing up themselves.

Team USA eyes its own shot at gold

Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles is on her quest to secure a spot in the national team after deciding to stay away from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics finals. While her team went on to dish out some stellar performances, Biles chose to prioritize her mental health first. Making her return in 2023, Biles won four gold medals at the 2023 World Championships and announced her wishes to take another crack at glory at the Paris Olympics. More national sensations are also in deep prep mode to lend their expertise to Team USA for the big rumble ahead.

Read more: America vs Russia: Not Just Simone Biles, Four US Teams Can Destroy Rivals at Paris Olympics

Ana Padurariu’s college teammate Jordan Chiles, LSU’s Haleigh Bryant, and Oregon State’s Jade Carey are all poised to take on the team trials while Suni Lee rallies behind her own Olympic dreams as well. With so many familiar faces posing a threat on Padurariu’s way to greatness, it waits to be seen if she and the Canadian athletes can overcome the steep climb ahead.