Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of the NCAA semi-finals, controversy seems to have made an unexpected appearance. With the NCAA Gymnastics Championship semi-finals on April 18, all the teams were giving their best and UCLA’s Chae Campbell’s exceptional performance raised eyebrows. During the first session of the semi-finals, Chae Campbell delivered an exceptional floor routine that left spectators in awe.
She performed with electrifying energy, opening with a breathtaking tumbling sequence, including a powerful full-twisting double top that showcased her incredible height and skill. It was undeniably one of her best routines from her senior year.
As speculation swirls about potential retirement, her performance carried added weight, perhaps marking her final floor routine. Her execution was flawless, with every landing held with precision, while her expressive eye contact highlighted the choreographic emphasis on dance, a hallmark of UCLA’s approach.
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Chae Campbell with a 9.900 on floor at NCAA Semifinals! 🐻
📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/O6YerO4q3w
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) April 18, 2024
As she concluded with a solid double top, the moment encapsulated the essence of UCLA’s commitment to excellence, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Even the judges rewarded her performance with an impressive score of 9.900. However, amidst the jubilation, fans began expressing their varied views, sparking discussions and debates about the fairness and implications of such a unique situation, as she deserved a score of 10.
Debate ignites with near-perfect floor routine of Chae Campbell
Amidst the NCAA semi-finals, passionate fans took to Reddit to express their mixed emotions about the performances. One user’s frustration boiled over as they exclaimed, “I’m gonna be real f****** pissed when the Rudi routines with posey choreo beat out what Chae just did.”
Another fan, deeply disappointed by the judge’s decision, shared, “Chae Campbell just did one of the best floor routines I think I’ve ever seen live and they gave her a 9.9! I’m disgusted..”
Chae Campbell just did one of the best floor routines I think I’ve ever seen live and they gave her a 9.9! I’m disgusted.
— Chris (@crdubb17) April 18, 2024
Adding to the discussion, another user named X pointed out a perceived bias, stating, “Non-UCLA judges hate Chae Campbell, it’s only them that appreciates her floor.”
Non-UCLA judges hate Chae Campbell it’s only them that appreciates her floor😭😭😭
— SELENA HARRIS 2024 BEAM NCAA CHAMPION💙💛 (@simoneismommy) April 18, 2024
Despite the controversy, a wave of support flooded in from another admirer who reassured Campbell, “Chae Campbell, you will always be famous”
Chae Campbell, you will always be famous
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) April 18, 2024
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One finally user while rallying behind Campbell, with one emphatically declaring, “Chae Campbell, give that woman a motherfucking TEN!“
chae campbell give that woman a motherfucking TEN
— Sui Lu (@sui_lu2011) April 18, 2024
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However, this wasn’t her first time when she showed her prowess. Earlier this year, she also exhibited her remarkable spirit, cementing her legacy as one of the most accomplished gymnasts in Pac-12 history. Chae Campbell’s dedication and talent have not only earned her numerous accolades but also inspired a new generation of athletes to strive for excellence.