Kailin Chio is back in the news for all the right reasons. The new poster girl for LSU Gymnastics achieved a perfect 10 in front of a 13516-strong crowd. The LSU Tigers competed against the Kentucky Wildcats at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. They won the game by a margin of 198.050 – 195.725 against the Wildcats. The victory was historic for the Tigers, as their 198.050 total marked the highest score for a home opener in program history.
Kailin Chio Opens Up On The Perfect 10 In Front Of A Huge Home Crowd
Chio was the catalyst for this dominant performance, claiming three event titles by adding a 9.95 on vault to her perfect beam score. Her cumulative effort earned her the all-around title with a massive 39.775, cementing her status as a leader for the No. 4-ranked Tigers.
Chio recently spoke about the Perfect 10 she achieved on the balance beam against the Wildcats. In the post-game interview with ESPN, the 19-year-old gymnast remarked,
“Oh my god, it’s unbelievable. Like I can’t even put into words. Like, to this many people to just come and watch gymnastics, like, that’s just so crazy. And to know that these people are just watching you, screaming your name, no matter how good did we do the week before or how much mistakes we did the week after, like, it doesn’t matter.”
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The LSU Tigers previously competed against the Georgia Gymdogs, led by Simone Biles’ former coach, Cecile Landi. Despite a spirited performance, the Tigers were defeated by the GymDogs, 197.200-196.850.
Kailin Chio’s Overall Track Record As an LSU Gymnast
The current season is Chio’s second season as an LSU gymnast, also known in college gymnastics as the sophomore season.
Chio had made her collegiate debut last year with the Tigers. She was set to make her Olympic debut in the 2024 season, but recurring injuries prevented her from doing so, including ruining her chances of qualifying for the grandest event.
Chio played a crucial role in helping the LSU Tigers win their second consecutive SEC Championship. This was also the final appearance for star LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, who sustained a knee injury.
With Dunne out of the equation, Chio led the charge for the LSU Tigers, who had won their maiden NCAA title in 2024. Although she couldn’t lead the Tigers to another NCAA title, as they were eliminated in the semifinals, finishing fifth overall, the 19-year-old gymnast compensated for the same by winning the individual gold medal in the women’s vault event. Chio also finished in the fifth position in the women’s individual all-around event.
LSU will look to carry this momentum into its next SEC clash when it travels to face Missouri on Jan. 30.
