What We’re Talking About
On April 28, 1967 (the year of the goat) Muhammad Ali refused to step forward when his name was called in the military draft to serve in Vietnam. He famously said, “Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go 10,000 miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights?” In the prime of his career (25-28 years old) he was immediately stripped of his heavyweight title and was suspended from competition. In June of that year Ali was convicted of draft evasion and sentenced to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He remained free on appeal and in 1971 his case was heard in front of the Supreme Court (Clay v. United States) where his conviction was unanimously overturned. Seven years after he was stripped of his title Ali beat George Foreman in the famed Rumble in the Jungle.
Muhammad Ali isn’t the greatest of all time because he has the best boxing record. In fact, during his comeback from exile he lost two of his four matches. What transformed him from a champion to a legend—and global icon—required courage and sacrifice. Ali stood for something and it cost him. At the time, it’s estimated that only 11% of Americans supported his decision. It’s safe to say he was hated. He was willing to sacrifice his reputation, millions of dollars, the prime of his career and even his own freedom for a justice he believed was being denied. This, of course, sparked others to find courage, including the famous raised fists by Tommie Smith and John Carlos in the 1968 Olympics.
Once again we are living through tumultuous and terrifying times where basic human rights are being denied and our neighbors are being kidnapped and even murdered. I recognize that it’s unfair to ask or even wish for this, but the moment is once again ripe for a champion to become a legend. And it needs to be asked what good is a large platform if those who control it stay silent when their voice is needed most? A generational event is coming up in Los Angeles making it auspicious for courage when so many institutions and people in power have already wilted; will any athletes demonstrate the character sport supposedly instills? The entire world will be watching LA2028 and more specifically the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. The year of the goat is once again approaching and there’s a unique opportunity for an athlete and team to transcend sport and become not just gold medalists, but champions of humanity.
Feelings
- Loved seeing the DiCello sisters compete together.
- Well deserved: K.J. Kindler entering the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame
- Eeeeee! Japan, Brazil and Great Britain are attending American Cup
- We endorse the “Revenge Season” for Hannah Scheible
- This is the way: ABC broke away from the hockey to show gymnastics
- We love the post routine celebrations and want more gymnasts to do it
- Simone looks good with a cheese grater on her head
- It’s ok for teams to tie in the regular season. And if you’re going to break the tie then have some sudden death gymnastics to make it exciting.
- It’s a coach’s job to gaslight
- Already obsessed with the Ana Barbosu three stab, use the blood as lipstick choreo
- Bonus: You should definitely get your Live Show Season Pass and/or your Cecile Landi Live Show Replay Ticket
Facts
- 1,001 days: since Kayla DiCello last competed
- Utah: Lowest beam score in 26 years
- 196.700: The second-highest opening meet in Arkansas program history
- 197: The first time since 2007 Georgia starts their season with a 197 or better
- We welcome the college fluff pieces: Georgia, Florida
- Alabama’s highest first week score in program history
- No 198 after two weeks
- Chloe LaCoursiere: First meet in her career with multiple 9.9+ routines
- Avery Neff score the first perfect 10 of the 2026 season (and we’re not mad about it)
- Summer Gronski had an amazing save on her no-hand vault
- Bonus: Get – The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles for under $5!
Award(s)
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- Best Stick “Crown”: UC Davis’s giant hat
- Ashikawa Award – Cadence Gormley
What’s On the Socials?
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Quotes
“I was home for three months over the summer and maybe did gymnastics for a month.”
~ Kailin Chio, No. 2 Gymnast in the Nation
The sophomore shared her offseason preparation to improve on an impressive freshman season.
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“Angry Avery can do pretty incredible things.”
~ Carly Dockendorf , Channeler of Emotions
Utah Coach describes Avery Neff’s mental state before sticking the first perfect 10 of the 2026 season.
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“There are 19 other girls, and to hear them supporting me during a routine, when I’m on the bars, is very inspirational.”
~ Emma Slevin, The Galway Gopher
The Irish gymnast shares the differences competing for Minnesota versus representing her country of Ireland.
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This column was composed and compiled by Steve Cooper, Editor at GymCastic and co-author of “The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles“; some thoughts culled from hosts Jessica O’Beirne and Spencer Barnes.
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