INSPIRATION: The U.S. women’s gymnastics team are role models that young girls in America have always admired.
By Marley Brady and Michelle Krakora, Staff Writers
The Summer Olympics have always been a vibrant, worldwide fanfare that not only celebrates athletes from a myriad of countries, but brings the world together. The Rio Olympics were no exception; from Michael Phelps’ record-setting amount of medals to the new Refugee Team, it seems that the 2016 Olympics will not be easily forgotten.
Because millions around the world have watched the Rio Olympics, it is highly expected that fans have heard or witnessed the incredible feats of the Final Five, the United States women’s gymnastics team. The team consists of Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles. The Final Five team picked their name primarily because they are the last U.S. gymnastics team to be coached by Martha Karolyi, the legendary Romanian coach who has been the team coordinator for the past 15 years. This year, the Final Five have what many would consider to be the most publicity of all previous U.S. gymnastics team.
This past summer, the Final Five won nine medals, breaking the initial record of eight medals shared by the 1984 and 2008 Women’s Gymnastics teams. Through this spectacular achievement, the Final Five have become very well-known, receiving many celebrity Twitter shout-outs, from Michelle Obama to Dwayne Johnson. Simone Biles also caught the attention of Zac Efron; when he found out he was her childhood crush, he came to Rio to visit Biles after her victory. In addition, the Final Five attended the Video Music Awards (VMA), and Laurie Hernandez is featured on Season 23 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
With their incredible achievements, it’s no wonder that they are an incredibly large influence on young females; with the racial, religious and economic diversity of this year’s team, these athletes have inspired women from diverse backgrounds. Simone Biles is just one example of turning a difficult childhood into a catalyst for success. Biles’ mother, Shanon Biles, was not able to care for Simone and her three other siblings due to her drug and alcohol addiction, and Biles’ father was never present in her life. In turn, Simone and her sisters were raised by their maternal grandparents.
“I think their success can show young girls that hard work pays off and that sports and muscles aren’t just for boys. I think they’re inspiring. A person that works that hard to achieve something can’t be anything less,” Annabelle Davis (11) said. Davis is just one of many who regard these Olympians as an inspiration.
Biles and Raisman’s accomplishments, in particular, brought a wide range of admiration because of the team sportsmanship, success and dedication they have contributed towards their sport. “Their success will inspire not only gymnasts, but girls in all sports and professions. They prove that hard work pays off, and that women can do anything,” Samantha Andrews (11) said, when asked if she believed that the Final Five were inspiring.
For many reasons, the Final Five could easily be the best thing that American sports have produced for more than a decade. Not only are these girls highly skilled and well-trained, they are the multifaceted role models that young American girls have always desired. They have given many girls the inspirational boost they need to make history. If the Final Five have taught us anything, it’s that hard work and dedication triumphs over all.