There are often times in gymnastics where an amazing, unforgettable moment happens. This moment may come from a whole team or one gymnast. Within the last 20 years, many teams and gymnasts have provided the gymnastics community with unforgettable moments. These moments often inspire young gymnasts to start gymnastics or inspire a current gymnast to work harder to be as good as their idol. 

 

Magnificent 7

The Magnificent 7 captivated the gymnastics world by winning team gold back in 1996. This US team was the first team to win team gold for the United States in womens gymnastics. The 1996 gold medal winning team consisted of: Amanda Borden, Jaycie Phelps, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Dominique Dawes, Kerri Strug and Amy Chow.This team stole the heart of the country by winning in dramatic fashion on US soil in Atlanta. Kerri Strug landed her final vault on one leg to seal the deal for the gold medal. Did this team inspire you to start gymnasts or push yourself to be a better gymnast? 

Fierce 5

The Fierce 5 was dominant and consistent with their Olympic gold medal winning performance in 2012. The Fierce Five was made up of Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, Jordyn Wieber, and Kyla Ross. This group of girls stole the show with their dominant performance in the team competition to win with a 5.066 margin over second place, Russia. The fierce 5 was the first team to win gold since 1996. Was this a team that inspired you and your gymnastics career?  

Shawn Johnson 

From the moment that Shawn Johnson came onto the elite gymnastics scene, she was pegged as the “it girl”. Johnson was a very talent gymnast that everyone seemed to fall in love with and enjoyed watching her gymnastics career blossom. Johnson went on to make the 2008 Olympic team and helped lead the team to a silver medal. Johnson was the favorite to win the all-around title, however she finished second to win the silver medal. Johnson finished the Olympic Games on a high note by winning a gold medal on beam with a strong and beautiful routine. Did Johnson’s gymnastics and career inspire you as a gymnast? 

Nastia Liukin 

Nastia Liukin was a part of the 2008 Olympic team where she made history. Liukin’s Olympics were highlighted by reaching the ultimate goal of a gymnast, winning the all-around gold medal. Liukin’s performance was inspiring to watch as she had the performance of her life. Liukin also helped her team win a silver medal along with winning the silver medal on bars. Liukin continues to inspire young gymnasts as she is still involved with gymnastics today. One way she continues to inspire is with the Nastia Liukin Cup for up and coming gymnasts

 

Carly Patterson 

Carly Patterson was a member of the 2004 Olympic team. Patterson was a great leader for team USA who brought home the silver medal. Patterson made history in being the first US gymnast to win the all-around gold medal since Mary Lou Retton. Patterson had a very dominant all-around performance to win gold in an emotional style. Did Patterson’s gymnastics and emotional gold medal performance inspire you? 

Gabby Douglas 

Gabby Douglas was a member of the 2012 Olympic team. Douglas went into the Olympics with a little bit of a question mark around her, could she hit under pressure? Douglas showed everyone she could in a big way! Douglas helped the team win the gold medal by competing on all four events. Douglas went on to win the most prestige medal in gymnastics, the all-around gold medal. Did Douglas’ pressure packed gold medal win inspire you as a gymnast?

Jordyn Wieber 
Jordyn Wieber was a member of the 2012 Olympic team. Wieber went into the Olympic Games as the favorite for the all-around gold medal. She had a big target on her back being the reigning world champion. Wieber has a disappointing performance in the team prelims to miss making the all-around finals. Due to the two gymnasts per country rule, Wieber found herself in great disappointment as she was heartbroken to miss all-round finals. Wieber rebounded well to have a great competition to help team USA win gold. She showed great team comradery as she was able to put her personal disappointment behind her. Did Wieber’s rebound and gymnastics inspire you as a gymnast? 

 

Let us in the comments below which gymnast or team inspired you? We look forward to seeing which gymnast or team is next to make this list!