Gold Medalist Laura Zeng Joins First Full US Olympic Rhythmic Gymnastics Team Since 1992

A Chinese American rhythmic gymnast will be filling one of the two maximum spots at the Olympics for the first time since 1992.

Rhythmic gymnastics team: The U.S. is sending a full rhythmic gymnastics team to the Olympics for the first time since entering the program 37 years ago, reported NBC Sports.

Laura Zeng, 21, is the “nation’s most accomplished rhythmic gymnast” and will be joined by Evita Griskenas in the event.
This is the first time since 1992 that the U.S. has filled the maximum two individual Olympic spots.
Zeng will also become the second-ever two-time U.S. Olympic rhythmic gymnast after her competition on August 6-7. She earned her record-tying sixth U.S. title on July 4.

Zeng’s accomplishments: The young rhythmic gymnast is from Libertyville, Illinois, and has been practicing gymnastics since she was about 7 years old, according to Team USA.

Zeng became the first U.S. rhythmic gymnast to win a medal at an Olympic or Youth Olympic Games when she won a bronze medal in the all-around at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games.
She finished in the top 10 at the past four world championships including a U.S. record sixth place in 2017.
Zeng also took home six event medals in the World Cup competition.
In 2015, she received a gold medal at the Pan American Games and was the second rhythmic athlete ever to “sweep all five Pan Am Games medals.”

Featured Image via Getty

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