5 Most Shocking Moments in Olympic Gymnastics History

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1. Kerri Strug's Vault

Kerri Strug's iconic vault during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics is etched in Olympic gymnastics history. With a severely injured ankle, Strug courageously executed her second vault, securing the gold medal for the U.S. women's gymnastics team, despite her evident pain.

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2. Nadia Comăneci's Perfect 10

Nadia Comăneci, a 14-year-old Romanian gymnast, stunned the world by earning the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics history. Her flawless routine on the uneven bars marked a historic moment and set a standard for perfection in the sport.

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3. Simone Biles Withdrawal

Simone Biles, considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, shocked the world when she withdrew from several events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Citing mental health concerns, Biles prioritized her well-being over competition, sparking important conversations about athlete mental health.

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4. Paul Hamm's Controversial Gold Medal

In a controversial turn of events at the 2004 Athens Olympics, American gymnast Paul Hamm clinched the all-around gold medal despite a scoring error in the parallel bars event. The subsequent debate over the validity of the result generated significant attention and controversy.

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5. Svetlana Khorkina's Fall

Russian gymnast Svetlana Khorkina, known for her elegance and skill, suffered a shocking fall during her uneven bars routine at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The fall dashed her hopes of defending her Olympic title in the event and marked a dramatic moment in gymnastics history.

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