Katelyn Ohashi's Viral Floor Routine: Gymnastics Reimagined
The world of gymnastics witnessed a phenomenon in the form of Katelyn Ohashi's floor routine. More than just a display of athletic prowess, it was an embodiment of joy, resilience, and a redefined relationship with the sport. The 2019 NCAA women's gymnastics championship provided memorable moments, and Katelyn Ohashi's name remained prevalent.
A Collegiate Career Marked by Excellence
For four years, Ohashi competed for the Bruins and excelled in all areas. Overcoming prior injuries, she was no stranger to the media from her perfect 10 routines that were close to impossible to replicate or the bubbly aura that made her stand out - fans gravitated to much more than the gymnast's routine. The gymnast's journey is a testament to her dedication and passion.
The Perfect 10 at the Collegiate Challenge
On January 12, 2019, Ohashi competed in the Collegiate Challenge, where she scored her first perfect 10 on floor. This routine would soon capture the hearts and attention of millions. The Bruins' Felicia Hano had just finished her floor routine and received a score of 9.750. Leading up to her final moments, it was bittersweet.
A Routine That Resonated
Ohashi's routine was a tribute to a wide range of famous R&B sensations. Performing to a mashup of Earth, Wind and Fire, Janet and Michael Jackson, and Tina Turner, Ohashi pulled off an infectious, dance-and-flip-filled routine that had her teammates on the UCLA women’s gymnastics squad and the audience cheering wildly. Cue Tina Turner. Ohashi got off to a rolling start as the Ft.
Viral Sensation
Ohashi's routine quickly became a viral sensation. The video posted by her team, the UCLA Bruins, has been viewed no less than 23.6 million times. Ohashi routine stands as the highest-viewed video on NCAA Championships YouTube with 9.3 million views and counting.
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More Than Just Gymnastics: A Story of Overcoming
“There was a time where I was on top of the world, an Olympic hopeful,” Ohashi told The Players’ Tribune in a video feature . “I was unbeatable. Beset by injuries and the pressures that come with the sport (her poem about body shaming was on “Good Morning America”), Ohashi made the brave but challenging decision to step away from the Olympic track. Training took its toll on Ohashi, however. After competing with a fractured back and two torn shoulders, she decided to take a much-needed break.
Rediscovering the Joy of Gymnastics
After she recovered, she returned to compete at the collegiate level at UCLA, where she said in a recent interview that she'd found not only herself but also her love for gymnastics again."I've found my joy. … It's not me standing on a podium with medals. It's me being able to walk out with a smile on my face and truly be, like happy with myself. “I haven’t been able to feel this type of happiness in a long time. “I think gymnastics can be a very brutal sport,” Ohashi said to The Players’ Tribune.
The Performance
Dressed in a sparkly, blue leotard, Katelyn Ohashi smiled and even laughed at times as she flipped and did splits for her 1-minute, 30-second floor routine during the 2019 Collegiate Challenge in Anaheim, California. It was her second time performing the routine, according to the Los Angeles Times. As she performed, her teammates could be seen in the background, cheering her on and even performing bits of her choreography as she danced and leaped. When Ohashi finished, she was awarded with high-fives from her team. Ohashi, a senior, scored a 10 with her routine. It was her fourth career perfect 10 on the floor, according to the UCLA Bruins.
Ohashi's Background
Ohashi has been doing flips since she was a toddler and later advanced to the gymnastics bars. She spent four years on the USA Gymnastics Junior National Team and in 2013, beat teammate and future Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.
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