19 June 2024 , 14:45
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The young Black gymnast who found herself at the heart of a global outcry after allegedly being ignored during a medal ceremony has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to US university.
Millions were shocked when they saw footage of the 10-year-old athlete, the only Black medallist in line, getting overlooked by a judge at an event held in Tallaght, Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland. Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles led the worldwide condemnation of the incident, saying it broke her heart to witness it and adding: "There is no room for racism in any sport or at all."
Now, aged 12, the exceptional youngster has landed herself a prized gym scholarship to the highly esteemed Princeton University in New Jersey. The Ivy League university is one of the most prestigious in the world, and counts Michelle Obama, Jeff Bezos, Alan Turing, and Woodrow Wilson among its most famous alumni.
Gymnastics Ireland came under intense scrutiny following the controversy. Backlash ensued after it was discovered that the organisation had failed to attend mediation with the girl's family post-incident and dragged its feet for nearly one-and-a-half years before issuing an apology.
The organisation also stopped the volunteer judge who passed by the young gymnast during the medal ceremony from apologising directly to the girl and her family around three weeks after the incident.
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Speaking to the Irish Mirror, the girl's mother said she could never have imagined that there would be such a happy ending to the distress, hurt and upset caused by the medal snub and ensuing controversy.
"I'm still in shock myself because the opportunity is so great, it's amazing. The whole thing, honestly, is beyond words," she said before the family flew out to the US last weekend. And the little gymnast herself is "beyond excited", according to her mum, who paid tribute to her daughter's resolve, remarking: "No matter what, she keeps her head up."
The 12-year-old has continued to excel at gymnastics since the controversy, but is also immensely talented in other sports, including sprinting, high jump, shot put, and javelin having won All-Ireland medals and setting provincial records for her age group.
Ken McCue of the Dr Harry Edwards International Foundation on Sport for Social Change, who supported the family following the medal controversy, congratulated the young athlete but was scathing of national sports authorities. Asked if it would like to comment on the news that the young girl had been offered a scholarship at Princeton University, a spokeswoman for Gymnastics Ireland said they were "delighted".
"We are also heartened that she continues as a member of Gymnastics Ireland and are pleased that she has continued to participate in our events with her club teammates," she added. "We would like to wish her and her family every success for the future."