U.S. Gymnastics Star Kayla DiCello Sets Sights On Paris Olympics

U.S. Olympic gymnast Kayla DiCello is approaching the 2024 Paris Games with a blend of excitement and measured expectations, drawing on her past experiences to fuel her pursuit of gold.

The 20-year-old Maryland native, who began gymnastics at age two, sees the upcoming Olympics as a chance to showcase her skills on a global stage. “My expectations for this year are just to go out, have fun, do my gymnastics and do what I know how to do,” DiCello told uInterview exclusively.

DiCello’s journey to Olympic contention began in earnest in 2018 as a junior elite gymnast. “I think that’s when everything clicked, and I was like, ‘Oh, this is really possible; I can do this,'” she recalled.

Her dedication has paid off. DiCello was an alternate for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and has since accumulated an impressive list of accolades. She claimed bronze in the all-around at the 2021 World Championships and was part of the gold-medal-winning U.S. team at the 2022 World Championships.

The gymnast credits her past successes with boosting her confidence. “All my past experience has been really great, and it’s given me a lot of confidence going into this year,” DiCello said. “Just knowing how I can handle myself under pressure for Team USA and in general, I think it’s been really helpful.”

DiCello’s rigorous training schedule reflects the demands of elite gymnastics. Her days typically begin at 6 a.m. with four hours of morning practice, followed by physical therapy and schoolwork. She returns to the gym in the afternoon for another two and a half hours of training.

The U.S. women’s gymnastics team, including DiCello, attends monthly camps where they train together and foster team chemistry. Despite competing for the same spots, DiCello describes it as a supportive atmosphere. “We’re all fighting for the same spots, but I think we are a really good team together,” she said.

DiCello also emphasized the importance of mental health in gymnastics, a topic that has gained prominence in recent years. “I think mental health is really important,” she stated. “It’s good that it’s been given the spotlight that it has because athletes go through it all the time.”

As the Paris Olympics approach, DiCello remains focused on her preparation while maintaining a positive outlook. “I’ve done all the work, I’m practicing, and at the end of the day, whatever happens happens,” she said. “As long as I did everything possible, I’m going to be happy.”