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

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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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