Andria Gao began rhythmic gymnastics at age 5. She was encouraged by her mother, who herself was an athlete. “My mom did sports all throughout high school and college. In high school she played volleyball and in college she moved into high jump, where she set the university record. As an athlete, my mom saw the value...
The Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony is now behind us, marking the official commencement of the Games. We at Athlete Voices embrace all sports, but we shine a spotlight on aesthetic, performative sports like rhythmic gymnastics, figure skating, artistic swimming and dance, as such sports are largely...
Evita Griskenas is an American rhythmic gymnast. She was the 2019 Pan American Games Champion and placed eighth at the 2019 World Championships, earning a ticket to the Tokyo Olympic Games. In less than one month, she will be making her Olympic debut. On top of all that, she is currently a full-time student at...
Dr. Carly Anderson, Ph.D, is a licensed psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and former UCLA gymnast. Her first-hand experience as a competitive athlete, coupled with years of professional training and expertise in sport psychology, provides her with unique,...
Wow. Those are the first words that came to mind, after I closed the book. Wow, was that relatable. I myself was no Olympic gymnast, but as a former competitive gymnast, I got a small taste of the strife and toil Aly endured throughout her athletic career. The physical and...
In 2017, former USA Gymnastics team doctor of 18 years, Larry Nassar, was convicted of molesting hundreds of young gymnasts. The real question is, how did this sexual abuse go unnoticed for so long? Why did it take over two decades for Nassar to be brought to justice? I believe that the culture of USA Gymnastics is...