“WHY AM I CRYING”: Gymnastics World in Shambles as Kathy Johnson Makes Her Last Call for NCAA Finalist

The ongoing NCAA Gymnastics Championships have thrown a stellar competition when LSU Tigers are competing to break a jinx. The Baton Rouge gymnastic pack appears for the 33rd time in the battle. But in recent times, the Tigers have been failing to touch the glory despite their appearance in the final four. So, this time, Olivia Dunne’s squad is adamant about turning the table.

Historically, this time, the Tiger ladies will accompany someone on the mat who has earned big based on individual brilliance. This season, Georgia freshman Lily Smith entered the NCAA Gymnastics championship semi-final, being an individual competitor. Now, as she steps onto the mat, all eyes are on her, eager to witness her prowess and potential impact on the competition.

She had bagged this coveted call-up after qualifying as an all-rounder after posting a 39.675 score in the second round of the NCAA Florida Regional. This fiery achievement brought her the event title and a chance to rotate with the LSU Tigers in the Fort Worth semifinal on the vault event. However, things reached a unique scale when Lily Smith had the opportunity to meet gymnastics legend Kathy Johnson Clarke in person.

The veteran carefully noticed Lily’s net practice intensively and found a different prowess in that. In disbursing her take, Kathy later commented, “This is such a gift to me the way you do gymnastics”. Eventually, calling her technique a “lost art”, the luminary soon crafted her emotional show-ups on Lily Smith’s gymnastics texture.

Emotions are heavier compared to feathery gymnastics moves

Noticing these emotional exchanges, one X-handle commented, “WHY AM I CRYING RIGHT NOW…..”. The emotion did not fade away early as a rollercoaster was on the move among the fans on X. 

In her teary-eyed statement, Kathy Johnson Clarke focused on Lily Smith’s determination to challenge the gymnastics burdens. Furthermore, she advised the Limerick native to remain ‘Lily’ in adversity. Eventually, such guardianship moved several fans. Inside Gymnastics was one of them. 

The X-handle of the gymnastic raconteur agreed to Kathy’s emotional exchange by penning a note. Amanda Campau, another fan, also embraced the moment. 

Among the SEC freshmen this season, Lily Smith has earned the top post. Her 9.950 NQS on bars has stolen the show for her. So, the due accolade for such a talented athlete added a dissimilar joy to many. The X-handle, Patricia, proved to be one of them. She termed the entire emotional exchange as “sweetest”. The same expression echoed in another veteran’s voice. 

Scott Bregman called the whole scenario the ‘best’. That constituted a fairy tale for the freshman before stepping into her maiden NCAA Gymnastics Championships affair. 

As the emotional exchanges unfolded and fans expressed their heartfelt sentiments, the profound impact of Lily Smith’s journey and the supportive community around her became evident. With words of encouragement from gymnastics legend Kathy Johnson Clarke and a flood of heartfelt reactions from fans across platforms, Smith’s determination and talent have truly captivated the gymnastics world.