FOREST HILLS, Mich. — The 2024 Paris Olympics have come to a close, but the impact the athletes left behind is here to stay. Gymnasts at the Grand Rapids Gymnastics club have felt that impact too.
While watching the Olympic games, local gymnasts kept a close eye on the best athletes in the world.
In addition to picking up skills from the pros, life-long lessons of empowerment and good sportsmanship were also highlighted.
“Them being able to see the support that our teams showed for other countries is definitely something as a gym we focus on,” Grand Rapids Gymnastics Club coach Morgan Gerard said. “We want our kids to be supportive to every athlete in every competition that they go to.”
Conversations around mental health have also been on the rise in the gymnastics community after Simone Biles opened up about her mental health struggles.
This is something Gerard says is a step in the right direction.
"It had a past that was shaky there for a couple of years," Gerard said. "I think we've overcome that hump and we're really looking to a place that is protective of our athletes... and creating really good environments for our kids to grow and prosper."