Olympic athletes motivate young people everywhere. Many well-known female gymnasts have backgrounds that highlight their perseverance, and their stories can serve as inspirations for anyone practicing gymnastics. Here are a few of the stars who have captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

5 Incredible Female Gymnasts

1. Nadia Comaneci

Representing Romania, Nadia Comaneci is best known for being the first gymnast in Olympic history to score a perfect 10. This groundbreaking achievement occurred during the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, where she earned a total of six perfect scores of 10. She was only 14 at the time and made her mark as the youngest all-around Olympic gold medalist.

2. Mary Lou Retton

Mary Lou Retton was the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal at the Olympics. At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Retton collected five medals in total. That year, Sports Illustrated named her “Sportswoman of the Year,” and she famously became the first female athlete to appear on a Wheaties® cereal box.

3. Svetlana Khorkina

Although Russia’s Svetlana Khorkina never managed to win all-around gold at the Olympic Games, she remains one of the most popular gymnasts of all time. At 5′ 5″, Khorkina was taller than many of the other competitors, so she cultivated a unique style to suit her height. She won seven Olympic medals and 20 World Championship medals in total. Due to her creativity, there are eight skills named after her in the Code of Points.

4. Olga Korbut

Born in Belarus and representing the Soviet Union, Olga Korbut’s powerful performance at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich inspired a generation of gymnasts. On the uneven bars, she completed a daring standing backflip to catch the bars, an unprecedented and now illegal move that transformed the focus of gymnastics routines. Where elegance was once key, the amazing acrobatics that continue to evolve today became dominant.

5. Simone Biles

With 21 World Championship and five Olympic medals under her belt so far, Simone Biles has recently risen to fame for her stunning performances. She carries the most World medals in U.S. history, and was the first American woman to win four all-around titles in a row. At the Rio 2016 Olympics, she took home four gold medals and one bronze. This year she continues to make history at the 2019 Artistic Worlds. Biles is often considered the greatest gymnast of all time.

With plenty of practice and passion for gymnastics, young athletes can rise through the ranks and achieve their dreams, just like their idols. Whether your child wishes to compete or take recreational classes, Top Flight Gymnastics gives them the equipment, training, and motivation they need. They have gymnastics classes for every skill level to promote physical fitness and confidence. Learn more about their competitive girls’ teams online. If your family would like to take a free tour of the facility, call (410) 992-1600 to schedule your visit.