Growing up, gymnastics was more than just a sport; it was a calling that shaped my discipline, passion, and identity. From the early days of flipping across gym floors to competing at the highest levels in club gymnastics, I poured my heart into every practice and competition. The journey was far from easy. I battled injuries and faced mental blocks that sometimes felt insurmountable. But even in those moments of doubt, I leaned on my faith in God, trusting He had a purpose for every setback. With his strength, I stayed resilient, learning to rise every time I fell and to believe in the process even when the progress felt slow.
That resilience carried me into the next chapter of my journey as a collegiate gymnast at Ohio State. Competing at the Division I level was a dream realized, but it came with its own set of challenges. My freshman year, I had to undergo a minor surgery to remove an extra bone that sidelined me for the entire season. It was discouraging, but I kept my eyes on God, believing that He was still working in and through me.
Later, a past wrist injury flared up again, requiring surgery. This time, a 7-inch plate and 7 screws were put into my arm. In getting this surgery, there was a 50% chance I would never be able to do gymnastics again. However, the Lord performed a great miracle, and I was blessed enough to compete for 2 years at Ohio State. Every routine I performed brought me immense joy because, at one point in time, it was something I thought I would never be able to do again.
As time passed, my body began rejecting the metal in my arm. The pain grew unbearable; it hurt to type, and I could barely hold anything in my hand. With prayer and support, I made the decision and underwent another surgery to have all the hardware removed. Before receiving the surgery, it became clear that it was time to step away and medically retire. It wasn’t the ending I had imagined, but God gave me an unshakable peace in knowing that my identity was never in gymnastics but always in Him.
Though stepping away was painful, I found peace knowing my identity is not tied to gymnastics. God carried me through the most challenging moments, giving me comfort and clarity when I needed it most. I’ve come to understand that my strength isn’t measured by medals or routines, but by the faith, perseverance, and purpose that carried me through every trial. My journey may have looked different from what I once imagined, but when reflecting, I wouldn’t change it. I’ve grown in ways far beyond gymnastics—and I now walk forward with gratitude, hope, and a heart full of determination for all that is ahead.
