Maggie Nichols is hanging up her leos from elite gymnastics.
The 18-year-old athlete, who fell just a little short at making the 2016 US Women’s Gymnastics Team for the Rio games, took to Instagram to announce her retirement.
“Hi friends!! Today I am announcing my retirement from elite gymnastics,” Maggie, also known as “Swaggy Maggie”, wrote. “This has been the hardest decision I’ve made, but it’s what is right for me.”
She added, “I have been so blessed to be able to represent the United States in multiple international competitions and the World championships and becoming a world champion. I’ve gone through so many injuries and hard times, and I’ve been through so many good times and I’ve learned so many incredible life lessons I wouldn’t have been able to learn without my elite career. Words can’t even describe the things I’ve been through.”
Good luck, Maggie!
Simone Biles sent Maggie love on her own Instagram, writing, “my forever bestfriend � I am so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. Excited for you to continue your journey at OU. I love you!!!”
Simone Biles wears her gold medal proudly after competing during day two of the 2016 P&G Gymnastics Championships held at Chafitz Arena on Sunday (June 26) in St. Louis, MO.
The 19-year-old three-time defending U.S. all-around gymnastics champion won her fourth title, being the first to do so in 42 years, according to TeamUSA.org.
“OLYMPIC TRIALS BOUND !!!!” she later tweeted.
Fellow gymnasts Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez, Gabby Douglas, and Madison Kocian rounded out the top five.
Meanwhile, MyKayla Skinner, Maggie Musselman, Maggie Nichols, Ragan Smith, Emily Schild, and Emily Gaskins also competed.
35+ pics inside from the P&G Gymnastics Championships… More Here! »
Gabby Douglas shows off her winning trophy during the awards ceremony at the 2016 AT&T American Cup held on Saturday (March 5) at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The 20-year-old Olympian beat out teammate Maggie Nichols by .466 points for the win.
“From the bottom of my heart, I really believe that I can achieve more,” Gabby told press afterwards. “And it’s just not for the wrong intentions. I’m like, ‘Guys, I’m back. I’m serious.’ I feel like gradually and the more and more I keep proving that, I really hope that people believe it.”
Maggie added about her performances, “I just gained a lot of experience and a lot more confidence, and now I kind of know what it’s like to compete in an all-around field. It’s really nice and I’m really happy with how I did.”
Team USA Men’s competitors Donnell Whittenburg placed 2nd and Sam Mikulak was 4th.
10+ pics inside of Gabby Douglas and Maggie Nichols…
Gabby Douglas is back on top!
The 20-year-old Olympian took home the title on Saturday afternoon (March 5) at the 2016 AT&T American Cup held at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Gabby totaled 60.165 points, just .466 over teammate Maggie Nichols in the competition. This is the same event that, four years ago, put her on the path to earn the Olympic all-around gold.
“I’m having like d�j� vu,” Gabby told NBC’s Andrea Joyce afterwards.
Gabby is hoping to be on the Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Team again, but to do that, she’ll have to beat Simone Biles at the P&G Championships and Olympic trials this summer.
10+ pics inside of Gabby Douglas and Maggie Nichols…