As she works her way back from an Achilles injury that postponed her senior elite debut to 2026, Tyler Turner remains focused, resilient, and dreaming big—2028 Olympics big. The WOGA gymnast has already overcome major setbacks on her journey, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. With a U.S. Classic floor title in 2024, junior elite experience under her belt, and NCAA aspirations on the horizon, Turner shares her goals, inspirations, and what drives her both on and off the mat.
Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Club gym: WOGA
College team: Not committed
Hometown: Bay Area, California
How did you first fall in love with gymnastics?
When I was in daycare, I liked to try to learn new flips with my friends in the yard or learn skills I found on YouTube. I had been asking my parents to let me do gymnastics for a while, and then I got Guillain-Barré. After recovering from Guillain-Barré is when my parents finally put me in gymnastics at the age of seven.
What has been the highlight of your gymnastics career so far?
I definitely have more than one, but my main highlight was when I was able to compete in the Jesolo Trophy international competition. The week before qualifying was very stressful, so being able to qualify and have a great meet in Jesolo really meant a lot.
Editor’s note: Turner placed fourth in the all-around and the United States placed first in the junior team competition.
What goals are you most excited about this season?
A goal that I am excited for this season is to recover from my injury and get ready for my 2026 senior elite year.
Who has made the biggest impact on your gymnastics career?
My old coach, Cleo Washington, has believed in me and my dreams to go to the Olympics from the start of our journey. She took me to my first international competition in France, told me I had the potential to be great, and helped me become an elite. Skye Blakely has also been a huge influence—she’s so dedicated and determined. Having a role model like her in the gym, especially someone chasing similar goals, really pushes me to work harder and stay focused.
Was there a specific moment or competition when you realized college gymnastics was within your reach? Can you tell us about that experience?
I realized college gymnastics was possible when I placed second all-around at nationals. It was my first year as a level 10, and being able to go out there, hit all my routines, and finish second really showed me what I was capable of.
What’s one of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in gymnastics, and how has overcoming it shaped you as both an athlete and a person?
When I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré, I remember telling my parents I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do gymnastics—even though I hadn’t started yet. Recovering and finally getting to jump into the sport was such a joyful moment for me.
More recently, tearing my Achilles has been the hardest challenge. I’ve had surgery twice in the past on my toe, but this surgery was different. When I found out how long the recovery would take, it hit me hard. I think it was so much harder for me now than it was in the past because of how close I actually am to 2028. I have never experienced senior elite gymnastics before, so I have no clue how different it is compared to junior elite. Realizing I would only have about two years to prepare for the 2028 Olympics made me very nervous.
What’s a personal gymnastics achievement you’re especially proud of that might surprise people?
Getting my back handspring layout layout was a big deal for me. I had a bad mental block on it—I’d lose the skill one day and get it back the next. When I finally did it consistently on high beam, I was just really proud of myself.
Looking ahead to your college career, what are you most excited to experience, both as a gymnast and in your personal life?
I’m really curious about what college life will be like. I’ve been homeschooled since fifth grade and have spent most of my time in the gym, so I’m excited to experience something totally new, both with school and my day-to-day schedule.
What’s something on your college gymnastics bucket list?
Winning an NCAA championship with my team is definitely on my bucket list.
Quick Hits
Vault, bars, beam, or floor?
Bars
Which four gymnasts would be on your college gymnastics Mount Rushmore?
Haleigh Bryant, Trinity Thomas, Margzetta Frazier, Chae Campbell
What’s your most-used emoji?
What’s one of your gymnastics pet peeves?
When someone stands right in front of the beam when I’m doing my dismount.
What’s one of your pre-meet rituals or superstitions?
When the national anthem is playing, I like to pray before the meet starts. Also, before bars, I need to put my grips on in a specific order, and I need to have a specific song play right before I’m up on beam.
What’s a hidden talent people may not know about?
I am weirdly good at the game Water Sort.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a physical therapist.
What’s your favorite leotard a college team has worn?
This one of Florida’s!
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Article by Katie Couldrey
