Collegiate Gymnastics Provides a Platform for Social Expression

Chae CampbellIn a dynamic floor routine during the most recent collegiate gymnastics season, University of Minnesota sophomore Mya Hooten included a piece of choreography between tumbling passes — she pounded her chest and gave a Black Power salute. In a fun, flirty and original routine, she delivered a message about social justice, racial justice, and Black women empowerment.

Collegiate gymnastics has exploded in popularity in recent years as young women of color lead in routines that generate praise and inspire conversations.

“Every single individual and all-around champion at NCAAs this year was a woman of color,” says Umme Salim-Beasley, head gymnastics coach at Rutgers University.

Momentum

Salim-Beasley says when she got involved in gymnastics in the 1980s, there were only a few Black gymnasts. She didn’t see diversity in elite gymnastics nor in college gymnastics.

“Those little girls watching gymnastics on television were not recognizing that it was a sport for them,” says Salim-Beasley. Olympians Dominique Dawes, Betty Okino, Gabby Douglas, and Simone Biles helped build momentum to increase representation in the sport. “There has been much more of an explosion of Black girls going into gymnastics because their parents are seeing that it is a welcoming sport,” she says.

Salim-Beasley says younger girls are seeing the fun of the sport when they watch collegiate gymnastics. As they progress, these girls may realize elite gymnastics is not the track for them, but collegiate gymnastics may be a great fit.