Gymnasts are some of the strongest people on the planet. Watching these athletes move their bodies in unimaginable ways is truly awe-inspiring. In college gymnastics, women teams compete in four different events: balance beam, uneven bars, vault, and floor exercise.
The vault event requires the gymnast to sprint down a track until she reaches the platform that launches her into the air. As she pushes off from the springboard, she becomes a high-speed projectile, spinning and twirling and contorting her body into unfathomable positions. The trick is complete when she sticks the landing, maintaining balance and avoiding any mishaps.
The balance beam event is a true test of skill and precision. The gymnast must navigate a narrow beam, transitioning from feet to hands and back again. She performs flips and other impressive moves while striving to remain upright on the beam.
The uneven bars event is a crowd favorite. The gymnast gains momentum by spinning around the bars, executing amazing movements and even flying through the air to catch the other bar. The bars are set at uneven heights, requiring the gymnast to launch herself up or down to make the connection. Not every trick involves flying – some involve intricate moves on the same bar.
The floor exercise, the final event, is especially entertaining to watch. The gymnast takes control of the entire floor space, performing complex movements in a routine choreographed to music.
In the video below, you’ll witness UCLA gymnast Gracie Kramer, 21, captivating an entire auditorium with her floor exercise routine. The commentator describes it as dark and foreboding, thanks to the moody music and slow movements that kick off the routine. However, there’s a sudden change in the music, and Gracie transforms her routine in a remarkable moment.
As the judges rate Gracie’s performance, she waits patiently for their scores. When they announce that she received a perfect 10, her joy is uncontrollable. It’s the first time in her college career that Gracie has achieved a flawless score.
Gracie reflects on her achievement, saying, “It felt like a normal routine, and it was just like the icing on the cake. I’ve felt that feeling before, but this time it was even more incredible because everyone else felt it too. It was a truly amazing accomplishment for me.”
What are your thoughts on Gracie’s mesmerizing routine?
