Olympic athletes are known for pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible, whether it’s diving from great heights or performing gravity-defying flips and twists. For U.S. rhythmic gymnast Evita Griskenas, her journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics has been a unique one as she balanced her academic pursuits at Columbia University in New York with her rigorous training in Chicago.
Despite the demanding schedule of flying back and forth between two cities, Griskenas managed to excel in both areas of her life. While in New York, she focused on cross-training activities like swimming, ballet, and Pilates, along with apparatus handling on the floor. In Chicago, she dedicated herself to intensive gymnastics training, often doing double sessions to make up for lost time.
Griskenas credits her ability to juggle academics and athletics to her love for staying busy and active. She believes that her academic studies have enhanced her athletic performance, and vice versa, creating a positive cycle of growth and improvement. This balance between her two passions has been key to her success on and off the gymnastics floor.
In addition to her academic achievements, Griskenas secured a quota spot for Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a silver medal finish at the Pan American Games. Despite facing challenges like a three-month injury layoff at the start of the year, she has intensified her training in preparation for the Games. Her hunger for success and dedication to honing her craft have only grown stronger as she looks ahead to future competitions.
Looking towards the LA 2028 Olympics, Griskenas sees an opportunity to further showcase her skills and perform in front of a home crowd. As the daughter of immigrants from Lithuania, she has embraced the journey of pursuing her dreams and defying expectations. Her relentless work ethic and passion for both academics and athletics continue to drive her towards new heights of achievement.
With a strong foundation in psychology and a deep commitment to her sport, Evita Griskenas is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of rhythmic gymnastics. Her story of perseverance, balance, and dedication serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and students alike. As she continues to chase her Olympic dreams, there’s no doubt that Griskenas will leave a lasting legacy in the world of sports.