Three Black women take first, second, and third in the U.S. Gymnastics Championship in Tampa, Florida, over the weekend.
Konnor McClain, 17; Shilese Jones, 20; and Jordan Chiles, 21, claimed the top three spots in the senior all-around competition on Sunday, Aug. 21, becoming the first three Black female gymnasts to sweep the podium, according to NBC Connecticut.
Konnor McClain won the gold medal on the balance beam and the top all-around rank with a score of 112.750 in her first senior national competition. Jones followed closely with a second-place overall score of 112.000 and Chiles placed third with a score of 111.900.
The three are following in the footsteps of some of the greats who weren’t present at this year’s competition, according to NBC Connecticut, such as 25-time world champion Simone Biles, who has won a record seven all-around championships; now-retired gymnast Gabby Douglas, the first African American to earn the Olympic individual all-around champion title; and Tokyo 2020 Olympics all-around gold medalist Suni Lee.
“It’s so unreal,” said McClain, per NBC Connecticut. “I’m still in shock a little bit.” McClain’s return from a stress fracture in each shin, a concussion, and the flu two weeks ago made the accomplishment all the more spectacular. She is currently one of the top candidates to represent the United States at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
