Historic Wins for HBCU Gymnasts at USA Gymnastics National Championships

In a historic moment for collegiate gymnastics, Derrin Moore, founder of Brown Girls Do Gymnastics, witnessed a groundbreaking achievement as Morgan Price and Kyrstin Johnson, gymnasts from historically Black schools, made history at the USA Gymnastics women’s collegiate national championships.

Price, a sophomore from Fisk University, became the first athlete from an HBCU to win a collegiate gymnastics national championship in the all-around category. Johnson, a freshman at Talladega College, followed suit by winning a national title in the vault event.

For Price, this accomplishment was the culmination of a lifelong journey that began in mommy-and-me gymnastics classes at the age of 2. Despite facing a lack of diversity in the gyms she frequented, Price’s dream of competing for an HBCU came true when Fisk announced the launch of its gymnastics program, prompting her to switch her commitment from Arkansas.

Similarly, Johnson’s dream of competing for an HBCU became a reality when she bonded with Talladega’s coach, Aja Sims-Fletcher, and committed to the Bulldogs after initially choosing Fisk.

The success of Price and Johnson not only signifies their personal achievements but also highlights the impact of organizations like Brown Girls Do Gymnastics in diversifying the sport. With the support of BGDG, Fisk and Talladega have defied expectations and emerged as powerhouses in collegiate gymnastics, showcasing the talent and potential within HBCU programs.

As Moore continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion in gymnastics, the success of Price and Johnson serves as a testament to the transformative power of representation and opportunity in sports. Their victories not only mark a significant milestone in collegiate gymnastics but also pave the way for future generations of gymnasts to thrive at HBCUs.