The news broke while Konnor McClain watched “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”
When the movie started, the U.S.’ top 15-year-old gymnast was on a four-year Olympic plan, preparing for when she would be old enough for the Games in 2024.
By the end — or the point she stopped to check social media — McClain had become age-eligible for the Tokyo Games in 2021. She has one year to prepare to compete against the nation’s best (and world’s best) gymnasts for, potentially, a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Three years earlier than expected.
“Just to make it to the Olympic Trials would be such an accomplishment, especially for her being young,” her mom, Lorinda, said.