Egyptian elite Judy Abdalla has lived and breathed gymnastics from the moment she toddled into the gym at age two, inspired by her older sisters—both members of Egypt’s National Team—and determined to follow in their footsteps. Now a World Cup medalist on bars and vault, a world championships competitor, and one of the newest international recruits headed to the NCAA, Abdalla brings a blend of resilience, pride, and big-stage experience to every arena she enters. From representing Egypt on the world stage to choosing Illinois as her next home, she’s ready for the next chapter of her journey—one defined by family, opportunity, and a dream that stretches all the way to the 2028 Olympics.
Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Club gym: Egyptian National Team
College team: University of Illinois
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
How did you first fall in love with gymnastics?
I was inspired by my older sisters, Samaa Gohar and Nagham Gohar, both members of the Egyptian National Team who competed internationally. I began training at age two. I loved watching my sisters compete floor routines with music and copying their moves. I then started training and dedicating all my time to the sport.
What has been the highlight of your gymnastics career so far?
Achieving two World Cup medals this year on bars and vault while competing alongside Olympic and world champions from top gymnastics nations. I was so honored to represent Egypt on that stage.
What are you really passionate about at the moment outside of gymnastics?
I really love traveling, reading, and spending time with my family and friends.
How has representing Egypt on the international stage shaped you as an athlete and as a person?
It has built me up to be the person I am today. It has helped build my confidence and resilience. Competing in front of a large crowd strengthened my focus and helped me to learn how to compete under pressure. Wearing the Egyptian flag is something that is so special to me.
What was your experience like competing at the 2025 World Championships in Jakarta?
It was amazing! I built friendships with world champions and made great memories.
You won a bronze medal at the Cairo World Cup, which was held just five minutes away from where you live. What was that experience like?
It was incredible! I placed third on vault, ahead of Paris Olympic vault finalist Valentina Georgieva—something I never imagined I could do. The highlight was competing against Olympians; it was one of the most memorable and emotional moments of my career. I’ve dealt with so many setbacks, from a torn hamstring to sprained ankles, but I’ve always kept my head down and continued to work hard despite the pain and challenges.
Who has made the biggest impact on your gymnastics career, and how have they inspired or shaped your journey?
Definitely my parents. They have continued to support me and my siblings in our athletic careers. My father was our main backbone, and my mother was always there, taking us to practice and encouraging us to keep going. Both of them are the foundation and greatest inspiration in my gymnastics journey.
What led you to consider the NCAA as a next step in your gymnastics and academic career?
One of my former teammates, Sandra Elsadek, came to compete for Egypt after she competed five years in college. That’s where I learned a lot about it.
Did you have communications with any other colleges before committing to Illinois? Why did Illinois stand out as the team for you?
I also spoke to Georgia, Central Michigan, Rutgers, Clemson, N.C. State, and Nebraska. Illinois is the full package, and I feel comfortable with those coaches and know that they have my best interest at heart. They really gave me that family feeling.
The NCAA experience is quite different from elite gymnastics, especially in terms of team culture and performance style. What part of that environment are you most excited—or maybe nervous—to embrace?
I’m most excited about the team aspect of college gymnastics and how it goes from being an individual sport in elite to a team effort in college.
You’ll be joining a growing group of international gymnasts in the NCAA. What do you hope to bring to Illinois’ team culture from your background and experiences training and competing abroad?
I hope to bring the experience of competing on big stages under pressure and my enthusiasm and competitiveness!
How has your family supported you throughout your gymnastics journey, especially while balancing school, elite competition, and now preparing to move to the U.S.?
They are my main support system. They taught me how to balance school and sports and how to do it well. They are always pushing me to be a better version of myself and take the next step toward getting an education in the U.S. and continuing the sport I’m so passionate about.
You have your sights set on the 2028 Olympics. Do you have an idea at this moment how you will balance NCAA and your elite training and commitments? Do you think training in the U.S. for college will help with the Olympics in LA?
I think training in the U.S. will help me a lot with qualifying to the Olympics in LA. I follow a pretty intense training program to get me closer to my goal each and every day. I’m confident that the coaches at Illinois will help me prepare for this. A few of us on the team will be training elite as well, so it will be nice to have other teammates on the same journey as me.
Looking ahead to your college career, what are you most excited to experience—both as a gymnast and in your personal life?
I’m excited to begin a new journey in the U.S. It’s almost like I’m transitioning into a new life where I’ll learn a new language and experience a different culture. The education system in the U.S. is so strong and a great opportunity to set myself up for a great career in the future.
If you could give advice to other Egyptian gymnasts dreaming of competing in college someday, what would you tell them?
Dream big, work hard, and stay committed to yourself! It’s not an easy journey, but it’s so worth it! I would advise them to work with NextGen Recruiting since Sandra was such a BIG part in getting me to college and helping me communicate with the coaches.
Rapid Fire Questions
Vault, bars, beam, or floor? Vault!
Which four gymnasts would be on your college gymnastics Mount Rushmore? Chloe Cho, Kennedy Brown, Eden King, Tali Joelson
What’s your most-used emoji? Laughing emoji
What’s one of your gymnastics pet peeves? Injuries
What’s one of your pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I always have to listen to music.
What’s a hidden talent people may not know about? I like to read, sing, and dance.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to invent a robot that treats people’s illnesses.
What’s your favorite leotard your college team has worn? This one!
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Article by KT Couldrey
