On a stacked roster such as that of Tiger gymnastics, it can be hard to stand out among the stars. However, LSU gymnastics freshman Konnor McClain is quickly making her claim as a name to know with her Olympic aspirations, as well as her electric start to 2024.
LSU gymnastics freshman Konnor McClain is off to an electric start to her college career
It’s not often you find a college athlete with as much national competition experience as LSU gymnastics freshman Konnor McClain. In fact, it’s hard to find any college gymnasts with as much experience as her.
Having joined the US National Team in 2019, high-level competition is nothing new for the star first-year. She’s competed with and against the best of the best, and was even named the 2022 Winter Cup all-around champion.
When it comes to the world of gymnastics, there isn’t much McClain hasn’t experienced. However, there was one specific thing she hadn’t yet had the chance to do, and that was to compete on a collegiate level team.
Even more, she hadn’t yet had the chance to record a perfect 10 in front of her cheering LSU teammates. At least, that was until she did exactly that at last week’s Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad Meet vs. No. 12 UCLA, No. 2 Utah and No. 3 Oklahoma.
“I love college and just the whole team and everything,” the first-year Tiger said when asked about her college experience thus far. “The team environment is such an amazing experience. Finally experiencing it is one of a kind, and I’ll never forget these moments I’m having with the team.
“Getting a 10, just knowing the team was right there and they were so excited for me. That was amazing.”
The true freshman was already off to a hot start in her college career. In her first meet action as a Tiger, she put together a solid performance, receiving a 9.825 on bars and an 8.950 on beam. However, her most recent 10 on beams was the moment that truly stands out among her early showings.
“Honestly, my only goal for this year was just to go into every single meet and start having fun with it and having fun with competing. So I feel like I’m already accomplishing that goal, and then just going out there and doing what I know and doing what I love.”
The Olympic games can wait
Interestingly enough, college wasn’t exactly a guarantee for the 18-year-old true freshman. Having been in competitions at the national level for years now, it’s only natural that she should have her eyes set on something a bit more international: the 2024 Olympic Games.
As she continues to look ahead and prepare for the upcoming summer games, LSU gymnastics freshman Konnor McClain had a decision to make. Did she want to stay on her current path and compete in the 2024 elite season, or should she try something new.
Ultimately, after enduring several injuries over the past few years, as well having several discussions with the people she trusts, the Las Vegas, NV, product chose the college route, and so far, she doesn’t have any regrets.
“I feel like it’s exactly what I needed,” McClain told the media on Monday. “I feel like I made the right decision in that moment, and this is everything I needed to still try for the Olympics and still get to that part of my life.”
Notably, it seems as though she’s particularly excited for what the team is doing for her love of gymnastics. It’s no longer just a search for perfection, but rather it’s a team effort to see everyone continue to improve.
“The team environment, it’s one of a kind. There’s no better way to explain it.”
The 2024 US Olympic Team Trials will take place for gymnastics from June 27 until June 30 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN.
What’s next for the star freshman?
Now, as we continue to move forward with the 2024 college gymnastics season, McClain is ready to show what she’s capable of from an all-around stand point.
Thus far, she’s focused primarily on bars and beam in competitions, and there’s no doubt it’s worked well for her so far.
She understands that she’s a part of a team and will likely have to wait her turn. Still, when the time comes, the star first-year has made it clear that she’ll be up to the challenge. After all, if she plans to compete for an Olympic team spot, she’ll be expected to show excellence in all four skills.
“The goal is to be an all-around by the end of the season. I feel like I’m getting pretty close on most of the events, so I’m ready to go whenever they need me.”
This would be nothing new for McClain, having competed as an all-around during her time with the US National Team. However, for now, expect LSU gymnastics coach Jay Clark to slowly work her in one step at a time.
“Floor is next,” the star Tiger said about her future as we move through the remainder of the upcoming season.
The Tigers return to action tonight, Friday January 19, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. CST, as they’ll host the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats in yet another top-10 battle.
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