Missouri standout Helen Hu is making an unexpected return to the arena. Such a piece of news has already left the gymnastics community buzzing. Hu has spent most of 2024 traveling across Europe and Asia. However, now the two-time NCAA All-American has decided to use her final year of eligibility to compete for the Missouri Tigers in the upcoming 2025 season. And this news marks the return of one of college gymnastics’ most skilled performers. 

The news of her return already came as a surprise to fans and fellow athletes. However, now Helen Hu is aiming to accomplish a feat that has never been achieved before by her. Hu’s impact on Missouri gymnastics is undeniable. Hu became a staple in the Tigers’ lineup. And her specialization in balance beams and uneven bars made her score 9.900 or higher an impressive 36 times throughout her career. But now it’s time for Hu to aim higher. 

Despite all her accolades, Helen Hu never achieved the elusive 10.0 score. And this is the new feat that she aims to conquer after her comeback to the arena. Reflecting on her major decision to come back for the final year, she stated, “I couldn’t shake the feeling that I have more to give.”

After a year of adventure and self-discovery, she realized that her journey in gymnastics wasn’t quite over. However, while many might perceive her return as a triumphing decision, for Hu it’s more like an opportunity to finish her unfinished business. That is to surpass her three 9.975 performances and secure a perfect 10 on the balance beam.

The grand news of Helen Hu’s return has been compared to one of the most iconic returns in the entertainment industry. Fans drew a comparison of Hu’s comeback for the final year with Beyoncé’s reunion with Destiny’s Child. But unlike Beyoncé, Helen would not return to make a brief appearance but would continue to represent the Tigers for an entire season. When Hu led the team in 2022, the Tigers finished in the second position.

And with her return, the Missouri Tigers would surely eye the victorious position this time. However, during Hu’s two-year hiatus, another figure has stepped up and transformed the Tigers into a national powerhouse, making the team stronger than ever before. And that same person can’t wait for Hu’s return to the team.

Did the Tigers’ roar just get louder with Helen Hu’s return to the NCAA stage?

Coach Shannon Welker has been putting all his efforts into making sure that the Missouri Tigers shine the brightest this NCAA season. Alongside Helen’s return, the team would be studded with a few more talented gymnasts this season. Coach Welker has strengthened the roster by adding four transfers and a highly talented freshman class. The team would include Lauren Macpherson, Abby Mueller, Amy Wier, and Elise Tisler. 

While Coach Welker has been preparing the Tigers for the loudest roar in the upcoming season, he also can’t wait for Hu to join the team. The coach stated, “We are so honored to welcome back Helen as a member of our program.” He continued, “She is an exemplary student-athlete and a joy to be around. Helen is scattered in our record books for a reason”.

However, it’s not just Coach Welker who had words of excitement to share reflecting on the news of Hu’s return. US Gymnastics legend and former sports commentator Kathy Johnson Clarke took to X and exclaimed, “Wow, what a wonderful surprise and reason to celebrate! Cheers to beautiful artistry, unique originality, and virtuosity!” 

For a gymnast who has been so close to perfection, her final year promises to be one of high stakes and even higher expectations. Now, as Missouri Tigers welcome back one of their greatest gymnasts, fans would just wait to witness Hu using the stage in her final year to complete her legacy and leave with a perfect 10.0 alongside all her other accolades.