sports

‘This is where I belong’: Katelyn Ohashi’s Olympic comeback is fueled by joy, not redemption

A decade after leaving elite gymnastics behind, the viral UCLA star is chasing a spot at LA 2028 on her own terms – and inspiring a new generation

‘This is where I belong’: Katelyn Ohashi’s Olympic comeback is fueled by joy, not redemption

TL;DR

  • Katelyn Ohashi, a former elite gymnast and UCLA star, is training for a comeback with the goal of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
  • She previously left elite gymnastics in 2013 due to a lack of joy and a back injury but found renewed passion in NCAA gymnastics.
  • Now 29, Ohashi moved back to Seattle to train and is working with a dedicated team to prepare for elite competition.
  • Her comeback is driven by personal joy and the desire to compete on home soil, rather than solely focusing on scores or redemption.
  • Ohashi's journey is inspiring a new generation of gymnasts, emphasizing that age is not a barrier to pursuing athletic dreams.