Katelyn Ohashi is a distinguished American gymnast who made a significant impact in the world of gymnastics during her competitive career. She began her journey at the young age of three and quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing her talent at the 2009 Junior Olympic National Championships where she earned multiple top placements. Ohashi’s early training at Great American Gymnastics Express under coach Al Fong laid a strong foundation for her future successes, leading her to join the U.S. Junior National Team by 2009.
Ohashi’s career reached new heights when she became a four-time member of the USA Gymnastics Junior National Team and clinched the title of junior national champion in 2011. Her remarkable performances continued as she won the prestigious 2013 American Cup, defeating fellow gymnast Simone Biles. Despite facing injuries that sidelined her, Ohashi’s resilience shone through as she transitioned to collegiate gymnastics, joining the UCLA Bruins in 2015.
At UCLA, Ohashi became a six-time All-American and captivated audiences with her unique floor routines that blended gymnastics with popular dance elements. Her performances earned her multiple perfect 10 scores, including a viral routine at the 2019 Collegiate Challenge that showcased her artistry and athleticism. Ohashi’s contributions to the team were instrumental in their success, culminating in a national championship win in 2019.
Since retiring from competitive gymnastics, Ohashi has continued to inspire others through her advocacy for mental health and body positivity. She participated in Simone Biles’ “Gold Over America Tour” and starred in a commercial for Toyota, further solidifying her status as a role model in and out of the gymnastics community.