This viral gymnast takes a stand against Michael Jackson following Leaving Neverland. Read to see how she's caused controversy and to watch the new routine for yourself!
This viral gymnast takes a stand against Michael Jackson following Leaving Neverland. Read to see how she's caused controversy and to watch the new routine for yourself!
Katelyn Ohashi, a gymnast from UCLA, went viral back in January for her incredible routine that seemed to defy the laws of gravity.
The old routine featured all music by Michael Jackson, which you can watch below:
Ohashi debuted a new routine and continued to show her impressive skills, while also taking a social justice stand.
A stark contrast to her former set list of only Michael Jackson songs.
While many were wondering why she mixed up her routine's music after the viral nature of the first, she explained that part of the reason was removing Michael Jackson's songs.
"Honestly, in the back of my mind it did, because of the platform that I have."
"So yes, it was in the back of my mind because my main goal is to find as much joy as possible in this routine."
While she was always planning on doing two different floor routines this year, it still isn't insignificant that she made the change. It's a small but powerful way to take a stand alongside survivors in a public forum.
When asked about their work as a team, Ohashi explained, "We have all really prepared well and come together. … And we didn’t have to try. We really do love each other that much, and it was so much fun to be out there with every single one of us."
She got her sixth perfect ten of the season with this new routine, helping her team win the Pac-12 championship.
The comments on Ohashi's social media have turned hostile.
Because her choice for her gymnastics set has so much to do with these random people, right?
Even though her own gymnastic skills were the highlight and not the instrumental music in the background but... okay.
We need more strong public figures like Ohashi to take a stand.
Ohashi has become one of the sports stars to watch in 2019, and we can't wait to see what insane skill she'll display next.