Home/Gymnastics

The LSU Tigers are riding high on confidence this year while beginning their NCAA campaign. As they laid their hands on the maiden NCAA title last year, the LSU Tigers have ensured that no stones are left unturned. And speaking of retaining their championship, one key factor for the Tigers will be the return of Haleigh Bryant. Playing a pivotal role in their title run last year, the star gymnast not only led the team to victory but also grabbed a bag full of personal accolades.

Bryant clinched the 2024 Honda Sport Award Winner and the 2024 NCAA All-Around Champion. She also earned a prestigious gym slam back in February 2024. This meant that Bryant had achieved a perfect 10 in all the events at least once in her career. Thus, quite expected, the hype was shooting through the roofs for Bryant. Until it all came to a halt. Competing at Gymnastics 101, the LSU Tigers’ star had a gruesome injury that dashed her out of competitive gymnastics for a while, leaving fans concerned. Thankfully, she has made her return, but Bryant’s performance is not looking all smooth like before.

Competing at the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad in LSU’s second meet on 11th January, Bryant only performed on the beam, and she scored 9.750 on the apparatus. While such a shaky start got everyone else concerned, HC Jay Clark does not seem to be bothered. When asked about the same in the presser uploaded on YouTube from January 14, Clark seemed confident about Bryant. “First meet, you know, it was the first meet,” said Clark. Putting faith in Bryant’s antics in the past, Clark said, “If Haleigh Bryant hasn’t proven to us right now by now who she is and what….what she can be counted on to do, and she hasn’t proven it to herself, then we’ve got a problem.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Clark then went on to further clarify how he thinks that despite her shaky start, Bryant can still be counted upon. He also mentioned one must not be dismissive towards a star prospect judging by a single performance. The LSU HC said, “I mean it’s ridiculous. I’m not going to kneejerk react to somebody having a minor error, especially one that somebody who’s proven to us over and over again that she can be counted on.” Thankfully, Bryant’s recent antics on the beam did not affect her team.

Despite her absence in the season opener, the LSU Tigers had quite a dominating start. Squaring off against Iowa State, the Tigers clinched a 197.300-194.100 victory. What’s more? Clark also had some good news for the fuming fans. The Tigers’ HC hinted that Bryant might be shouldering more responsibilities in the near future. “Got Haleigh back out there on one event and likely, likely, are adding a second this week,” said Clark. However, not only Haleigh Bryant, Olivia Dunne also got the support of Jay Clark recently.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Haleigh Bryant's shaky return a cause for concern, or just a minor bump in the road?

Have an interesting take?

Jay Clark unperturbed by Olivia Dunne’s recent form

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Despite LSU kickstarting proceedings on a winning note, questions linger. After Haleigh Bryant, another star Olivia Dunne’s form has become a major concern for the fans. As a matter of fact, Dunne competed in 3 events. And while she did do well, it was not her absolute best. For example, Dunne clinched 9.725 on the bars, 9.775 on the beam, and 9.85 on the floor. But the fans wanted more. They want the LSU heartthrob to hover in the 9.9 vicinity. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Speaking on the same in a presser uploaded on YouTube dated January 14, 2025, Clark stated, “Olivia Dunne provides a lot of confidence for us.” He further detailed, “Just the way she goes about her business. I know she would probably be disappointed with some of her scores. You know, they weren’t what she would like to have. I think of bars in particular, but the way she warms up is just automatic. Like, there’s no doubt. She goes up cold, does a cold routine every time, and is fine.” And that’s not all. The Tigers HC also stated that Dunne’s maneuvers calm everybody around her and keep the team in a good state of mind. Thus, putting a lot of trust in both his seasoned campaigner, it now remains to be seen whether Jay Clark’s faith is repaid in full by the duo in the coming future.

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Debate

Is Haleigh Bryant's shaky return a cause for concern, or just a minor bump in the road?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT