A Gymnastic routine on January 12, 2019, UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi delivered a floor routine that not only earned a perfect 10 but also captivated the world, amassing over 240 million views online . Set to a medley of hits from Michael Jackson and Tina Turner, her performance combined high-level gymnastics with infectious dance moves, showcasing her radiant joy and athletic prowess.
Ohashi’s journey to this moment was marked by resilience. Once an elite gymnast and Olympic hopeful, she stepped away from the national team in 2015 due to injuries and the pressures of the sport . At UCLA, under the mentorship of coach Valorie Kondos Field, she rediscovered her love for gymnastics, focusing on self-expression and enjoyment over perfection.
Her 2019 routine was more than a display of technical skill; it was a celebration of personal growth and empowerment. The gymnastic routine featured complex tumbling passes, including a triple backflip into a split, all executed with a beaming smile that resonated with audiences worldwide . This performance not only secured a win for the UCLA Bruins at the Collegiate Challenge but also sparked conversations about joy and authenticity in sports.
Katelyn Ohashi’s viral routine stands as a testament to the power of embracing one’s true self. It broke the internet not just for its flawless execution but for the genuine happiness it radiated, reminding us all of the beauty found in passion and perseverance.
Watch Katelyn Ohashi’s unforgettable performance here: