Laura Zeng, a sophomore at Libertyville High School has managed to be a fully enrolled student while dominating Rhythmic Gymnastics as well. She placed 8th in the all-around at the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, which is Team USA’s highest score for an individual, ever.
Due to Zeng’s victory, the U.S. rhythmic gymnastics group qualified America for the Olympic Games for the second time in history. The last time they qualified was in the 1996 Games in Atlanta where the team earned an automatic host country spot, according to Team USA.
“Coming into the competition I didn’t have the expectation to place so well, thus I felt extremely proud! It was also the fact that I had done as well as I could, and that I had succeeded in representing my country to the best of my ability,” said Zeng
Zeng also finished seventh in the clubs final, being the first American to qualify for the world club final since Mary Sander’s seventh place finish in 2003, according to Team USA.
Zeng will continue to compete in competitions next year in hopes to earn a spot on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team.
“It was pretty emotional; anyone who made it into the Olympic Games was crying too. It was a dream! It still feels unreal; as soon as I finished my last routine there was immediate and overwhelming relief and release. It was a long and tiring competition, especially to control my nerves for 5 days.”
Read more about Zeng’s journey to success here.
![For the final piece, a combination of Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble played an extravagant song by Paul Hindemist. Flute soloist Dakota Olson had her moment highlighted within this song. “[My solo] was definitely challenging but it was fun too,” Olson said.](https://www.lhsdoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/amy-and-joey-shot-1200x800.jpg)
