Editor’s Note: Ella Donald is a journalist, writer and academic from Brisbane, Australia. However, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic erasing a year of anticipation-building pre-Olympic competition, there is also an air of mystery for those outside the gymnastics universe about most of the six women – alongside stalwart Simone Biles, there’s Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum, Jade Carey and …
Yates Gym doesn’t seem the same without them. “There’s a reason why we don’t have a team captain on UCLA’s gymnastics team,” head coach Chris Waller said, “and it’s because I believe that everybody has the ability to be a leader.” UCLA Sports UCLA gymnastics determined to ‘celebrate every moment’ amid unusual season Preparing for a season amid COVID-19 hasn’t …
UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field leads former Bruins gymnasts around Pauley Pavilion while dancing during her retirement ceremony in March. “Because to me, they’re both such amazing young women, I wouldn’t have imagined that they would need my comfort and support.” UCLA head coach Valorie Kondos Field, left, hugs UCLA gymnast Kate Richardson during the 2003 NCAA championships. “We’ve …
