Konnor McClain Captures the Senior Women’s All-Around Title

By Joey Johnston

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On the greatest night of her gymnastics life, Konnor McClain thought about her father.

“I wish I could talk to him right now,’’ McClain said. “I know he’d be really proud of me.’’

McClain stunningly captured the Senior Women’s All-Around title Sunday night in the OOFOS U.S. Gymnastics Championships at Amalie Arena, serving notice that she could be one of the brightest stars in her sport heading into the 2024 Paris Olympics.

She has battled through adversity, including the death of her father, 55-year-old Marc McClain, due to COVID-19 last Dec. 27. McClain’s grandmother died soon after that. In recent weeks, she suffered a concussion and shin injuries, along with catching the flu leading into her trip to Tampa.

McClain, 17, was so stunned at her championship, she could hardly find the right words to describe her emotions. At last year’s championships, held in Fort Worth, Texas, McClain sat in the stands. One year later, could she have imagined winning the event?

“Not at all … not even close,’’ McClain said. “I had no idea what I was going to do. Just competing was (a victory).

“I have no idea what to think right now. I need some time (to absorb it) … maybe a week. I don’t even know what to do with myself right now.’’

McClain won with a 112.750 combined score, narrowly outdistancing second-place Shilese Jones (112.000), who was penalized for falling on her last skill, the uneven bars dismount. That likely cost her the all-around championship. Jones also fell on her opening balance-beam routine.

A pair of 2021 U.S. Olympic medalists — UCLA’s Jordan Chiles (third, 111.900) and Oregon State’s Jade Carey (fifth, 110.900) — were high on the leader-board. Incoming University of Florida freshman Kayla DiCello was fourth at 110.950.

“Tonight was like a mixture of excited and nervous,’’ McClain said. “I saw my name near the top of the scoreboard, so I just kept looking at it, which I probably shouldn’t have done.

“At the end, I didn’t know I won until someone told me. I didn’t know how close it was. I haven’t thought about what this actually means. I’m still stuck on what just happened. Anything can happen, so I’m excited for the future.’’

Chiles said McClain is definitely a name to watch.

“This is huge for Konnor,’’ Chiles said. “I’ve known her since she was an itty-bitty baby. I remember her first camp. I knew she had a lot of talent and it’s amazing thing for her to win the 2022 U.S. Championships. I know she’s going to keep going and pushing for more.’’

U.S. National Team named

Eight members were selected for the U.S. National Team — McClain, Jones, Chiles, DiCello, Carey, Skye Blkely, Lexi Zeiss and Elle Mueller. They will participate in a selection camp for the World Championships, set for October in Liverpool, England.