In the quiet hum of a research laboratory in Gainesville, Florida, amidst the flickering glow of computer screens and the scent of late-night research, infant Leanne Wong lay nestled on a couch. Her parents, Marco Wong and Bee Ding, both dedicated research scientists, toiled tirelessly in pursuit of their career endeavors.

“She was part of the group, burning the midnight oil,” shared Marco Wong, the medical director of a biotech company who holds both an M.D. and a Ph.D. Little did they know, their infant daughter would use this very discipline to become a vital member of Team USA’s gymnastics squad while simultaneously pursuing a career in medicine.

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As the years passed, Leanne’s path diverged from the sterile confines of the laboratory to the glimmering expanse of an ice skating rink, drawn to the grace and elegance of ice skating. Despite her best efforts, Leanne struggled with the harsh reality of the ice; its unforgiving surface made her fall unbearable. It was amidst these challenges that Leanne discovered a new passion that would shape her destiny.

Her father stumbled upon an interview featuring renowned gymnastics coach Al Fong. Marco ventured to the GAGE Center in Blue Springs, where Leanne would take her first tentative steps into the world of gymnastics. Today, years into this journey, the now 20-year-old Leanne Wong has made history as part of the Florida Gators squad in the 2024 NCAA gymnastics season, is the CEO of Leanne Wong Bowtique, has written a book, and has shared the podium with World Champions and Olympians like Simone Biles.

Leanne Wong’s perspective on competing with icons like Simone Biles for Olympic glory

In an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports, Leanne Wong, the Quest Nutrition partner, opened up about her thoughts on the upcoming Paris Olympics. When questioned, “With Olympians Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas vying for the Paris spot, is there any additional pressure on you?”

The multifaceted gymnast expressed, “It’s amazing to see so many reigning Olympic champions returning to make another Olympic team. The pressure to be one of the gymnasts on the Olympic team is always there, no matter who is trying because there is so much depth in the US National Team.”

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Leanne Wong stands as the sole American female gymnast to feature in all three World Artistic Gymnastics teams of the 2021–2024 quadrennium. At just 20 years old, she has already shared the podium with Simone Biles on significant occasions, notably at the 2023 World Championships, where Team USA clinched gold, and at the US National Championships, where she secured bronze behind Biles and Shilese Jones. Reflecting on her burgeoning status in the elite gymnastics arena, let us delve into her aspirations for the Olympic year ahead.

Her Paris Olympic dream

Leanne Wong served as a traveling alternate at the Tokyo Olympics with Team USA. Now, she aims for her second Olympic appearance. Expressing her aspirations in an interview on February 29, 2024, on Gator Tales with Sean Kelley, Wong said, “Paris would be a dream come true for sure. Going there on an Olympic team and getting to compete for Team USA would definitely be a dream come true.” 

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The Quest Nutrition Partner, Leanne Wong, revealed how she reflected on her past experiences at the Tokyo Olympics and how they have shaped her perspective as she prepares for Paris. As we reflect on her journey since her childhood and her dedication to her career, business, and education, we fervently hope this multi-talented young woman achieves Olympic glory, proudly waving the American flag in Paris 2024.