UNDATED (WTAQ) – The U.S. women’s gymnastics team has stolen the hearts of people around the world after winning gold at the Rio 2016 Summer Games.
Sheila Langlois, head gymnastics coach at the Greater Marinette-Menominee YMCA, says the “final five” make all the moves look easy on T.V., despite the extreme difficulty.
“It’s probably the hardest sport possible because it takes so much individual determination and self-discipline.”
She says her team, the Gliders, have seen an increase of participation over the last 20 years since the continued success of Team U.S.A.
“Our team has continued to grow. We started at about 20 kids and last year we were close to 80.”
Langlois says she’s really impressed by the U.S. women’s gymnastics team and says, although everyone on the team is phenomenal, she does have a favorite.
“Our favorite is Aly Raiseman. We love Aly and Laurie Hernandez. They both exemplify the strength yet grace that it takes.”
Langlois will be stepping down as head gymnastics coach at the Greater Marinette-Menominee YMCA after 30 years of teaching and says passion is the key to success in the sport.
The U.S. women’s gymnastics team includes Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Simone Biles, Madison Kocian, and Laurie Hernandez.
