VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Gymnast Evita Griskenas Wants ‘Emotional Connection’ With Audience At Paris Olympics

U.S. rhythmic gymnast Evita Griskenas is eagerly anticipating the return of spectators at the Paris Olympics, viewing it as an opportunity to forge a deeper emotional bond with the audience through her performances.

“A lot of my craft is about storytelling,” Griskenas said. “I love passing on that emotion to my audience. And then for the audience to reciprocate that emotion with cheering or whatever else fits the music is always really appreciated.”

The 23-year-old athlete’s journey to Paris has been marked by resilience. At the 2023 Pan-American Championships, Griskenas broke her foot mid-routine but persevered to finish, earning a bronze medal. The injury posed a significant challenge to her Olympic qualification.

“It showed me I have stronger character than I ever imagined,” Griskenas reflected. “I had a short turnaround time to qualify for Paris and thankfully I did.”

As she prepares for the Olympics, Griskenas maintains a grueling training schedule, often practicing up to six hours a day. Her regimen is further complicated by her studies at Columbia University in New York, necessitating weekly flights between Chicago and New York until her graduation in May.

“I’ll have more time to double down on training,” Griskenas said, looking ahead to the final stretch before the Games.

The Lithuanian-American gymnast, who represented the U.S. at the Tokyo Olympics, is focusing on her own performance rather than speculating about her competitors. “My goal at the end of the day is to represent Team USA and myself,” she stated.

For Griskenas, success in Paris extends beyond the podium. “Success looks like gratitude and showing respect to those around me, those who helped build me up, and those who support me,” she explained.

While an Olympic medal would be “a cherry on top,” Griskenas emphasizes the importance of execution and the emotional connection with the audience. “The end goal, regardless of what happens, is that I execute the way I know how to and the way that I’m prepared to,” she said.

Griskenas, a first-generation American, has been a standout in U.S. rhythmic gymnastics since her junior years. She has won multiple national titles and represented the country at world championships, continuing to push the boundaries of the sport with her artistry and technical skill.

As the Paris Olympics approach, Griskenas is set to begin her competitive season, carrying the hopes of elevating U.S. rhythmic gymnastics on the world stage while aiming to create memorable performances for the returning Olympic crowds.

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