Every four years, we watch the Olympics with wonder and amazement. Sometimes we forget that these athletes are normal, everyday people like us who just happen to be extremely talented in their chosen sports. It's crazy to think that people your own age or younger are performing at the highest stage for an athlete. These women have worked so hard for the majority of their lives to be the best they can be, and I'm so happy that all their hard work and dedication are finally paying off. Here's a list detailing a few of the people who are not quite old enough to be called adults, but can compete (and win!) with the best of 'em!
Lilly King - 19
By mocking a Russian opponent's finger wag, and later talking to a reporter about swimming clean, Lilly made a statement for the sport of swimming. Despite the media storm surrounding this controversy, Lilly won 2 gold medals (100m breaststroke, 4x100m medley relay) in Rio. She also set an Olympic Record in the 100m breaststroke final, and she's only a sophomore at Indiana University Bloomington.
Simone Biles - 19
She's the opposite of your average teenage girl (minus her crush on Zac Efron).
3x World All-Around Champion + 5 time medalist at the Rio Olympics (4 gold: team, all-around, vault, floor; 1 bronze: beam)
After her wins in Rio, she will be called the most decorated gymnast in America (and is only the 5th woman overall to win 5 medals at a single Games).
Laurie Hernandez -16
AKA the "human emoji"
She was given this nickname because of her bright personality and love of her sport and teammates.
She won two medals - 1 gold (team) and 1 silver (beam) - at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Laurie is the first U.S.-born Hispanic athlete to make the women's gymnastics team since 1984.
She is also one of the youngest competitors in Rio.
Gabby Douglas - 20
Gabby has impressed America ever since her breakout performance at the London 2012 Olympics.
Her story is amazing, and she should be proud of her accomplishments.
She aided in winning the Team All-Around gold medal at this year's Olympics in Rio.
Madison Kocian -19
She's the reigning World Champion on uneven bars. Team USA struggles the most on this particular event, so adding Madison to the team was a no-brainer. Her routine on the uneven bars is beautiful to watch!
Madison won two medals in Rio: gold (team all-around) and silver (uneven bars).
She will be a freshman at UCLA this fall.
Simone Manuel - 20
I love this picture, because it captures the joy and surprise she felt upon finding out she won her race. Simone won four medals in Rio: 2 gold (100m freestyle, 4x100m medley relay) and 2 silver (50m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay). She is the first African American woman to ever win an individual gold medal.
She will be a junior at Stanford University this year.
Katie Ledecky - 19
During her time spent in Rio, Katie smashed records, won medals, and continued making history. She currently holds the 400, 800, and 1500m freestyle world records. She won 4 gold medals (200m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle relay) and 1 silver medal (4x100 freestyle relay) at this year's Games. Katie will start and swim for Stanford this fall.
Ginny Thrasher - 19
This is the girl who won Team USA's very first gold medal (10m air rifle) at this year's Olympics. She loves her sport and is not ashamed to tell people about it (even if they don't understand exactly what it is). Ginny will be a sophomore at West Virginia University.
Kathleen Baker - 19
Not many athletes think of style when they compete, but Kathleen is an exception. Her signature pearl earrings set her apart from others, as well as the difficulties she has had to face to get to the Olympics. In 2010, she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Her story is inspirational, and the medals she won at this year's Games, including a gold (4x100m medley relay) and silver (100m backstroke), only prove that you can achieve your goals no matter what. Kathleen attends and competes for the University of California, Berkeley.
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Sydney McLaughlin - 17
Her birthday was
11 days ago. Yes, you read that right. She was only
16 when she qualified and set a new Junior World Record in the 400m hurdles at the Olympic Trials earlier this summer. Even though she did not win any medals at this year's Olympics, I believe this is just the beginning for her. I'm also 99.9% sure we'll see her in Japan! She will be a senior at Union Catholic High School this year.
Happy Thursday!
+ Go Team USA :)
