Vault- 9.850. Bars- 9.675. Beam- 9.675. Floor- 9.750. This is how the Iowa State gymnastics senior performed. This performance was a major contributor to the ISU finishing second in their senior night. ISU finished with 195.775, Denver with 196.750, and NC State with 195.000 in this BIG-12 Tri meet held at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, on February 28. But it wasn’t just February that bid goodbye that day. This was the last time that some athletes were seen in ISU Leotars, while for some, it was the last time in Leotards altogether. Why?
“Hold onto the memories, they will hold onto you.” ~ t. swift.” The lyrics from Taylor Swift’s song New Year’s Day and also what Hannah Loyim’s latest Instagram post started with. Announcing retirement from the sport, she wrote, “To God be the glory! 21 years of gymnastics – a journey that gave me not just a sport but a forever family. Thank you to my parents for your sacrifices, unconditional love, and unwavering support.” Hanah was a toddler when her parents instilled the basics of gymnastics in her and her twin sister, Emma.
Talking of young age, Hannah shared pictures of her and Emma Loyim. Both of them were into gymnastics from a very young age. Emma is also a gymnast at Boise State. The two of them have been into gymnastics since they were toddlers. The 22-year-old posted pictures of her in an ISU leotard and various snippets of her from the different meets she has helped win over the years. She joined ISU in 2022 and has been one of the key players on the beam, the women have yet to fall off it.
She continued, “To my teammates and coaches, thank you for believing in me and trusting in my abilities to proudly represent this team. I will always cherish the early mornings, locker room dance parties, long travel days, bus ride sing-alongs, late night braiding sessions, and laughing until my stomach hurt. I am so blessed to be an Iowa State gymnast. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has planned for the next chapter of my life. Once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone!” Her gymnastics journey began at North Star Gymnastics Academy in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. Under the guidance of coaches Ashley Umberger, Heather Moroz, and Faith Baranowski, she developed a strong foundation in the sport from a young age.
Why the early retirement, though? Well, she got two fractures in her Tibia. Perhaps that is why fans say, “So so proud of your journey “. Ever since the cyclone made that Instagram post, fans have swarmed in. The reactions of the fans have been varying but understanding as well. They know they have to say goodbye.
Fans are emotional as the Gymnastics star set to retire
The reactions of fans vary from showering their love on the gymnast to being proud of her. Of course, when an injury forces you to say goodbye to the sports, it can be quite overwhelming for the athlete. But Hannah has been receiving comments like, “Congrats on an incredible career, you’re one of the sweetest people I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting.” Incredible career, indeed! Some major achievements include being the 2021-22 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team, WCGA Scholastic All-American (2022, 2023, 2024), and Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll (F21, S22, S23, F23, S24, F24).
Even her teammates cannot stop showering their love on Hannah Loyim. The freshman Hylee Hardin added a comment, which read, “you’re so inspiring hannah. so blessed to know you! i love you hannah loyim. ” Her teammate and senior, Rachel Wilke, commented, “I love you more than you know so blessed this sport brought me you“. The two joined ISU back in 2022. Going as far as to thank the sport for bringing her close to Hannah. Ella Schell, also her ISU teammate, commented, “Love you Han!! so blessed to have had 2 years with you.“. Ella is a sophomore, and she couldn’t help but bid goodbye to her senior.
Cyclone coach Haylee Young commented, “So proud of you, Hannah! Iowa State is a lucky place to have gotten YOU!” Yes, Iowa State was definitely lucky to have her! After all, in 2024, she was the squad’s lone all-around performer of the year, competing in 10 of the 15 meets as an all-around gymnast. Retirements are always sad, sadder when it is due to an injury, but life goes on. We wish Hannah Loyim the best of luck in her future.
The post Fans Shower Love to 22-Year-Old Gymnastics Star as She Gets Forced Into Retirement After Heartbreaking Update appeared first on EssentiallySports.
