Katelyn Ohashi’s story is one of resilience, overcoming adversity, and finding inner strength. She became a viral sensation after her joyful floor routine in January 2019 earned her a perfect 10 and captured the hearts of millions. But her journey to this moment was not without challenges. Ohashi endured physical and mental struggles, including painful injuries and severe body shaming, which almost led her to quit gymnastics altogether. Through therapy and personal growth, Ohashi was able to reclaim her passion for the sport and embrace her body.
Overcoming Physical and Mental Barriers in Gymnastics
In 2013, Ohashi faced serious back and shoulder injuries that required surgery, which also put an end to her Olympic dreams. These injuries were not only physically painful but emotionally draining, as they forced her to step away from competitive gymnastics for an extended period. When she returned to the sport, she was already dealing with the effects of body shaming and a growing sense of self-consciousness about her physical appearance.
At the time, Ohashi was 22 years old and faced constant scrutiny about her body from both external and internal sources. One particularly painful experience occurred when a coach commented on her weight gain, saying that it was contributing to her physical pain. “I was trying to work through the pain and crying literally every turn I took,” Ohashi recalled. The comment about her weight made her feel self-conscious and ashamed, adding to the emotional burden she was already carrying.
The Pressure to Conform to Unrealistic Beauty Standards
As a gymnast, Ohashi was constantly in the public eye, performing in minimal clothing and often feeling judged for her appearance. “As gymnasts, our bodies are constantly being seen in these minimal clothing leotards,” she said. “I felt so uncomfortable looking in the mirror. I felt uncomfortable walking back into the gym, like there were eyes just targeted at me.” The constant attention to her body and the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards took a significant toll on her mental health.
Ohashi admitted that she hated taking pictures and felt uncomfortable with every aspect of her appearance. She said that the negative comments about her body and the jokes she shared with friends about skipping meals to lose weight only worsened her mental state. “You start normalizing things because that’s what you know, and you grow up surrounded by people that are going through the same thing as you, so it becomes what you expect almost,” she explained. “But when you look back on it, I do think it’s a form of abuse. It was common, especially in the elite world.”
Finding Support at UCLA: The Role of Therapy in Healing
Ohashi’s turning point came when she joined the gymnastics team at UCLA. At UCLA, she was encouraged by her coaching staff to seek psychological support and attend therapy. She opened up about her fears of finding success in the sport again, explaining that she “correlated greatness with misery” due to her previous experiences. But the supportive coaching environment at UCLA, which prioritized the well-being of athletes as individuals first, was pivotal in her healing process.
“Coming to UCLA and being pushed to go to the psychological services, being surrounded by a coaching staff which really puts athletes as people before the sport itself, has definitely been crucial in my growing as a person and my mental health,” Ohashi shared. The coaching staff’s commitment to prioritizing her mental health helped her regain a sense of balance and allowed her to rediscover her love for gymnastics.
Reclaiming Her Passion and Embracing Self-Acceptance
With the support of therapy and a nurturing environment at UCLA, Ohashi was able to rebuild her relationship with gymnastics and embrace her body in a healthier way. Her viral floor routine in 2019, which was filled with energy and joy, was a reflection of her newfound confidence and freedom. This routine, which earned her a perfect 10 from the judges, became a symbol of her resilience and a reminder of the importance of self-love and acceptance.
As she prepares to graduate with a degree in gender studies, Ohashi has come to terms with her body and her place in the world. “Everybody’s bodies are different, and there’s not a single body that is the perfect body because there are constant trends,” she explained. “Being comfortable with the only person that matters, yourself, is something that you can forever work towards. You’re the only person that has your back, and you’re the only person that has your skin 100% of the time.”
Ohashi’s journey has shown that self-acceptance is an ongoing process, and that it is possible to overcome the pressures of body shaming and societal expectations. By embracing therapy and taking the time to heal emotionally, Ohashi was able to not only excel in gymnastics but also find peace with herself, both physically and mentally.
A Powerful Message for Future Generations
Katelyn Ohashi’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health, self-love, and the impact of body shaming in the world of competitive sports. As someone who faced immense pressure and struggled with body image issues, Ohashi has become a role model for others who may be dealing with similar challenges. Her willingness to speak openly about her struggles and seek support has helped break the stigma surrounding mental health in athletics, encouraging others to prioritize their well-being above all else.
Through her experiences, Ohashi has learned that true success is not defined by perfection or external validation but by the ability to accept oneself and find joy in the process of personal growth. Her journey serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals alike, showing that with the right support and mindset, it is possible to overcome adversity and find happiness within oneself.
Conclusion
Katelyn Ohashi’s path to self-acceptance and healing has been marked by both physical and emotional challenges. From body shaming to mental burnout, Ohashi faced significant hurdles in her gymnastics career. However, with the support of therapy and a caring environment at UCLA, she was able to overcome these obstacles and rediscover her love for the sport. Her story serves as a powerful example of the importance of mental health and the ongoing journey of self-acceptance. Through her experiences, Ohashi has inspired countless individuals to embrace their bodies, seek help when needed, and prioritize their well-being above all else.
