The heartbreaking story behind the gymnast that's become a viral sensation

Katelyn Ohashi became a viral sensation overnight after her flawless, yet sassy floor routine from a recent competition was posted on social media.

The American gymnast earned a perfect 10 whilst competing at the Collegiate Challenge in California over the weekend.

In her routine the athlete flipped, stomped and strutted her stuff to a series of iconic songs including ‘Proud Mary’, ‘I Want You Back’ and ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ which really got the crowd going.

While her floor routine was undoubtedly impeccable and full of life, receiving over 28 million views on Twitter, a few years ago the 21-year-old was left “broken” by the sport.

Back in 2013 at the American Cup, Ohashi won against Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles and was on-track to compete at an Olympic level herself.

However, according to The Players’ Tribune, Ohashi suffered “a fractured back and two torn shoulders” which forced her to stop competing at an elite level in 2015.

“I was compared to a bird who couldn’t fly,” Ohashi said, adding she also felt immense pressure from the intense training and scrutiny which came with competing.

“I couldn’t accept myself,” she admitted. “Gymnastics was my worth, my life. I hated myself.”

After she stopped competing at an elite level, Ohashi decided to participate in the sport at a collegiate level.

The gymnast joined the UCLA gymnastics team – who she was competing for in the sensational viral video – which reignited her passion for the sport.

“I haven’t been able to feel this type of happiness in a long time – I’ve found my joy,” Ohashi explained.

“It’s not the outcome, it’s not me standing on a podium with medals, it’s me being able to walk out with a smile on my face and truly being happy with myself.”

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