DETROIT – Team USA winning gold in women’s gymnastics is inspiring the next generation of athletes.
The Detroit School of Gymnastics (DSG) is the only artistic gymnastics program in the city. The Black-owned artistic gymnastics facility prides itself on affordable and accessible training.
“I call myself doing it for the young me. I really, really wish I had a program like this when I was a kid,” DSG owner Marissa Schuh said.
The girls on Schuh’s team have been closely watching the USA’s women’s gymnastics team compete on the world stage at the Paris Olympics.
“They come to practice now after watching the Olympics and they’re really trying to step their game up,” Schuh said.
Beyond technique, DSG parents say the Olympians are setting a positive example for the girls.
“Simone (Biles) showed that it’s OK to make mistakes sometimes as long as you get back up and keep going and that’s what I try and teach my daughter,” DSG parent Shanice Petybaboo said.
Read: Simone Biles and Team USA earn ‘redemption’ by powering to Olympic gold in women’s gymnastics
Biles now has eight Olympic medals, becoming the most decorated American gymnast in history.
“She never gives up,” one of the DSG gymnasts said.